By age 6, children understand over 20,000 words, and their sentences are longer and not as simple. But even more amazing are the new complexities in their thought processes — their wheels are constantly in motion. With this deepening, you’ll see a change in how your child uses language to express thoughts and ideas.
Reading Development
- May be able to read simple books aloud (here are great books for beginner readers!)
- Can read and retell familiar stories
- Knows an increasing number of sight words
- Can decode major sounds in a word
- Can invent reasonable spelling and write some words
Your Checklist for Reading Development
BOB Books: First Stories — For the aspiring independent reader, the First Stories set features twelve short, easy-to-read stories, setting up the perfect foundation for more advanced reading down the line.
Sight Word Readers Parent Pack — Transform learning into a fun reading activity with this set of 25 little books that'll enhance your child's reading and writing skills.
Little Skill Seekers: Handwriting Practice — Your child will go from tracing words and sentences to writing them independently with the help of this workbook that comes with additional online learning resources.
Language Development
- Speaks an average of 2,600 words and understands even more (around 22,000 words)
- Uses many multi-syllabic words
- Can use and understand different tenses, such as past and future
- May be able to have extended conversations with shifting topics (here are language and literacy milestones for kids ages 6 to 7)
- May be able to talk on the telephone (watch out for your cell phone!)
Your Checklist for Language Development
Scholastic Success With Grade 1: Grammar — Help your child understand verb tenses, punctuation, capitalization, and more! This workbook is filled with easy-to-comprehend lessons and explanations, skill-reinforcing exercises, and tests that help quantify your child's strengths.
The Cat in the Hat Beginner Book Dictionary — Help your child identify the objects in the world around her and expand her vocabulary with this illustrated picture dictionary. (Check out the literacy benefits of using a paper dictionary!)
Physical Development
- May be able to jump rope, hula hoop, and play hopscotch
- Better able to throw, catch, jump, and climb
- Can do simple art projects involving cutting, coloring, pasting, and drawing
- May be able to tie shoelaces
Your Checklist for Physical Development
Klutz Activity Kits — Tap into your kid's creativity with hands-on Klutz sets that'll have them creating PAW Patrol buddies, sewing fun objects from felt, and experimenting with colors with their own science kit.
Jumbo Book of Fun for Kids — From hidden pictures to illustrated mazes, your 6-year-old will think of it as a fun treasure hunt, but you'll notice how it improves critical thinking skills. This workbook gives children confidence in their ability to solve problems, which is important during this age of rapid learning.
Emotional Development
- Loves to learn (and will be particularly inspired by books like Ada Twist, Scientist)
- Is eager to please
- Plays well in groups (though may want to be in charge!)
- Begins to have an easier time with transitions
- Can stay focused and pay attention for longer periods of time
Your Checklist for Social and Emotional Development
It's Okay to Make Mistakes — This sweet picture book teaches kids how to accept life's happy accidents and move on from their mistakes. It provides an incredible opportunity to discuss empathy, self-esteem, and resilience with your 6-year-old.
You Are Enough — This beautiful story, featuring full-color pages and diverse characters, emphasizes the importance of embracing one's differences and finding confidence within.
