6 Year Old Developmental Milestones
Six-year-olds are school-age learners making huge leaps in reading, writing, and social understanding. They are developing a strong sense of right and wrong and building real friendships.
Track milestones with Emmie — text (877) 703-6643Physical / Motor
Rides a bicycle
Many children learn to ride without training wheels around this age.
Ties shoelaces
Has the fine motor skills to learn to tie shoes, though it takes practice.
Throws and catches with accuracy
Can throw a ball overhand and catch a tennis ball with hands.
Writes legibly
Can write letters and numbers clearly enough to read.
Cognitive
Reads beginning reader books
Can decode simple words and read early reader books with support.
Understands addition and subtraction
Grasps concepts of adding to and taking away from quantities.
Tells time on the hour
Can read a clock and tell time for full hours.
Problem-solves with increasing independence
Can work through age-appropriate problems without immediate adult help.
Language / Communication
Speaks in complex sentences
Uses compound and complex sentences with correct grammar most of the time.
Explains why things happen
Can provide explanations using cause-and-effect language.
Follows multi-step directions
Can follow 3+ step instructions: "Get your shoes, put on your coat, and meet me at the door."
Social / Emotional
Has best friends
Forms close friendships and has clear preferences for certain peers.
Understands right from wrong
Has a developing moral compass and understands rules and fairness.
Handles frustration better
Developing coping strategies for disappointment and frustration.
Shows empathy and compassion
Understands and responds to others emotions with growing sophistication.
Activities That Support Development
Independent Reading
Practice reading independently for increasing lengths of time.
Writing Stories
Write and illustrate short stories with a beginning, middle, and end.
Math Games
Play math-focused board games and practice facts through games.
Science Experiments
Simple experiments that teach observation and hypothesis testing.
Team Sports
Organized team activities that build cooperation and physical fitness.
Music Lessons
Begin instrument lessons to develop discipline and musical ability.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
Every child develops at their own pace, and there is a wide range of normal. However, talk to your pediatrician if you notice any of these signs:
- •Cannot focus on one task for at least 15 minutes
- •Does not follow 3-step instructions
- •Cannot retell events that happened
- •Has significant difficulty reading or recognizing letters
- •Has extreme difficulty with handwriting
- •Is unable to play cooperatively with peers
- •Shows extreme anxiety about school or separation
- •Has frequent, intense emotional outbursts
Early identification and support can make a significant difference. Trust your instincts — you know your child best.
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