Essay On Middle Childhood

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“In middle childhood, 30% of a child’s social interactions involve peers, compared to 10% in early childhood” (Blume, 2010). Children place a large importance on friendship more when they grow older. In early childhood, friendships are associated with a particular activity. During middle childhood, children focus more on bonds and trust when it comes to making friends. Children start to use selective association meaning that children start to pair off with people that have the same interests as them. Sociable kids are attracted to other sociable kids and children who are shy tend to get left behind. The types of games that children play change dramatically compared to early childhood. In addition to the activities that they already play, they start to strive for a challenge. Middle childhood is the time when children acquire skills such as reading and arithmetic. During this time children start to play games that are complicated and rule oriented. Because of these changes, children begin to play games based on strategy such as playing cards and other games that test their mind. They play games such as Pokémon or Yu-Gi-Oh. These card games require children to count, remember, and plan strategies. By playing these games, children begin to plan consciously, coordinate actions, evaluate their progress, and modify their plans and strategies based on reflection and evaluation. In addition to playing difficult games, children start to become part of a social world. School is age graded, meaning that students are placed in grades based on their age. Children tend to only talk to those in their grade. Children in the same age tend to form their own social status. It is in this social aspect of middle childhood where popularity comes... ... middle of paper ... ...r child to these interventions and they could make sure to remind their children every day that they are important. Parents could also set up play dates or birthday parties that invite the whole class. I know what it’s like to feel rejected by peers. When I was a child I was very shy and not much of a sociable person. Many people would bully me and too this day I’m still a little terrified by people. I have a hard time trusting others and coming out of my shell. However, when I do I make some amazing friends. What helped me get over some of the torment I faced from elementary through high school were my parents and my religion. My mom always reminded me that I had individual worth and that anyone who didn’t see that was missing out. Constant years of this reminder allowed me to accept my past and move on. By moving on I was able to start making friends this year.

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