Dr. Lise Eliot
Early Childhood Mental Development Expert
VTech Expert Panel Member
Six is a big turning point, when children can absorb more formal teaching and begin to comfortably read simple books or passages. While the greater demands of school can be a big change, most six-year-olds are optimistic about learning and enjoy the routine of school days.
Here are some typical milestones you may see in your six-year-old:
Language & Cognitive Development
- Pays attention for 15 minutes at a time
- Expands vocabulary rapidly
- Speaks clearly but may still have trouble with sounds like “r” and “th”
- Reads short books or paragraphs silently or aloud
- Counts to 200 and backward from 20
- Understands “odd” versus “even” numbers
- Understands the difference between addition and subtraction
- Begins to read music with instruction
- Memorizes lines for short plays or lyrics for songs
- Distinguishes left from right, but may reverse “b” and “d” in printing
- Comprehends abstract thinking – like understanding that the earth is round even though it looks flat
Physical & Motor Development
- Bounces a ball 4-6 times
- Rides a bicycle without training wheels
- Ties shoelaces
- Learns some specific sports skills like batting or hitting a tennis ball
- Enjoys competitive games
- Dances in time to a beat or rhythm and remembers simple movement routines
Social & Emotional Development
- Enjoys being with peers though conflicts may remain frequent
- Prefers same-gender playmates
- Views things as right or wrong with little middle ground
- Sensitive to criticism and may have difficulty admitting a mistake
- Understands opposite opinions