Physical Development of Six-Year-Olds

Child development can differ according to the individual child's capabilities and even his environment, yet certain levels of attainment can be considered when measuring the normal development of physical and mental skills. There are accepted milestones in studies of child development that help to ascertain whether a child has any detrimental characteristics that can be examined more thoroughly to help the child as he grows and matures.

Physical Activities

• A six-year-old child should have acquired control over basic motor skills, including coordination and manual dexterity. Although the child may still be somewhat awkward and unsure of himself, he will still exhibit the ability to perform basic functions such as tying shoelaces, throwing and catching objects, using scissors or other tools and even riding a bicycle. Writing skills may not be refined, but the ability to use writing implements correctly should be attained by this age.

Refined Physical Activities

• The six-year-old child, generally speaking, will have developed certain specialized physical skills that begin to reflect a growing ability to use her muscles for specific purposes. Many of these activities, such as walking a straight line, threading a needle, or balancing her weight on a small object, are an indication of a desire to learn more about her physical capabilities. However, these actions are new to the child and will be unpolished, according to the Kalamazoo Country Government MSUE PROGRAMS - Kinship Care Families.

Physical Growth

• Physical growth of a six year old is different as well. Many of the growth characteristics of children are genetic and consequently are different for each individual child. In some cases, a growth chart can be used to compare averages among all six year olds against a particular child's growth rate. Growth charts take into consideration a child's height and weight and then use percentiles derived from a consensus of other children of that age group.

Factors Affecting Physical Development

• There are many factors that can have an influence on the rate of physical development for any age child, including diet, heredity and environmental aspects, such as economic conditions and quality of life. Disease and illness can also affect a child's physical development, including disorders that affect learning capabilities. Children who are unable to attain learning skills will often be unable to engage in activities that will enhance their physical growth as well as their mental growth.

Judging Physical Development

• Old-fashioned methods of gauging physical development, such as measuring a child's growth rate on a door jamb, can still be seen as somewhat effective in monitoring a child's maturation process. However, standardized growth charts and medical examinations by a qualified pediatrician are also helpful in using verifiable data as a milestone against which a child's development may be gauged.