Who are Kindergarteners and Younger Children?

Luke 2:52 tells us that, “Jesus increased in wisdom, and in stature, and in favor with God and with people.” In other words, Jesus grew according to God’s plan. He grew in wisdom (mentally), and in stature (physically), in favor with God (spiritually), and in favor with people (socially & emotionally). I believe that we can look to this model as we consider growth characteristics for today’s children. Don’t get me wrong, I understand the uniqueness of each child and I appreciate that God has a special plan for every individual, but there are general characteristics that will help us as we seek to understand the kids we teach. Below are some of those general characteristics that leaders can glean from:                       

Kindergartners:

Mentally

• can print name, but not too clearly
• know colors and shapes
• can name most uppercase letters
• can read a few words
• say numbers from 1 to 100
• know morning from afternoon

Physically

• skip well; hop in a straight line
• display good hand-eye coordination
• cute well with scissors
• exhibit well-established right or left handedness
• begin cutting permanent teeth
• girls may display more maturity than boys

Spiritually

• remember and like to tell Bible stories
• use the Bible and like to find Bible phrases/verses
• Like to know they are doing what the Bible says
• try to help and love other people and take care of God’s world
• continue developing a conscience
• express guild for misbehavior

Socially/Emotionally

• like to please adults
• comfort friends who are upset
• have best friends, but change friends often
• enjoy group play
• play easy games with a friend, following rules
• may continue to express fears

First and Second Graders:

Mentally

• have a good memory  and can follow directions
• frequently ask teachers for help
• want work to be perfect and are afraid to fail
• enjoy reading and being read to
• cannot think abstractly
• want to be independent but do not want to make mistakes

Physically

• are developing small muscles
• are active using entire body
• have difficulty sitting for long periods of time
• may tire easily
• like using hands
• do not have well-developed hand-eye coordination

Spiritually

• like learning from the Bible
• are interested in God’s wonders in nature
• are making conclusions about God and regard Jesus as a friend
• are learning right from wrong
• can take some responsibility for own actions
• understand truth and honesty

Socially/Emotionally

• are often talkative and like to brag
• may cry easily when scolded
• evaluate own conduct based on the conduct of others
• are sensitive to what others think, and want approval
• may avoid new or difficult situations
• need to succeed in challenging situations