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Unit 3 The Learner
Although some children learn to read before entering school, most
begin the process during kindergarten and first grade. First and second
graders typically make great strides in their reading ability. By the
time they reach the end of their second grade year, many children are
competent readers enjoying books with chapters.
It is important that children who have difficulty with reading at this
stage receive extra help. Sometimes, additional one-on-one instruction
by the classroom teacher or a reading specialist is enough to help the
child catch up with the class. Sometimes, testing is needed to determine
the specific cause of the problem and identify appropriate intervention
strategies. Reading skills are central to future school success so problems
cannot be ignored.
Social-Emotional Development
Erik Erikson described the task at this stage as industry versus
inferiority. This is the need to develop feelings of competence by learning
and mastering new skills. As they can do more for themselves, children
grow in self-confidence. They like to feel grown up and often boast about
their abilities. If often compared negatively to other children, however,
their feelings of inferiority can surface. Parents and teachers play a vital
role in providing the encouragement children need.
Peer Relationships
As children move into the
world of school, peers play a
more important role in their
lives. They have “best” friends,
but their choice of friends
may change often. Sharing
secrets, sticking up for each
other, choosing partners,
and playing together become
prominent elements of their
friendships (Figure 7.7). New
social skills enable them to
form closer one-on-one and
group relationships. Although
boys and girls comfortably play
together in preschool, girls
usually play with girls and boys
usually play with boys in early
elementary school.
Figure 7.7 A secret shared with a best friend helps children
form relationships.