9 Years

Milestones

Around 9 years old, many children:

• Social

  • Begin to see the benefits of following social norms
  • Look for friendships based on common interests and nearness
  • Take part in activities outside of class
  • Begin to understand other people's points of view

• Communication

  • Hold eye contact when listening
  • Share ideas and opinions in clear speech
  • Use slang that peers use

• Learning

  • Have a longer attention span
  • Develop reading, writing, and everyday math skills in line with the Common Core Standards
  • Use reading and writing skills outside of school, for grocery lists, drawing, and other activities
  • Connect ideas, structure arguments, and unpack hard words

• Physical Development

  • Begin to show signs of puberty
  • Show an increased awareness of their physical skills
  • Have control of both large and small muscles
  • Are able to swim (if taught)
  • Take part in movement activities on the playground with confidence

• Health

  • Have 5 to 9 ounces of grains daily, including whole grains (1 ounce equals ½ cup oatmeal, ½ cup of rice, 5 whole wheat crackers, 1 slice of whole wheat bread, or ½ cup cooked pasta).
  • Have 2 to 3 ½ cups of vegetables daily (such as ½ cup baby carrots, ½ cup broccoli, ½ avocado, and ½ cup sliced peppers).
  • Have 1 ½ to 2 cups of fruits daily (such as 1 medium apple, 1 banana, and ½ cup berries). Fresh, frozen canned or dried all count.
  • Have 4 to 6 ½ ounces of protein daily (1 ounce equals 1 egg, ¼ cup of beans or lentils, 1 tablespoon peanut butter, or ¼ cup tofu). Protein foods include beans, lentils, tofu, nuts and nut butter, poultry, fish, eggs and meat.
  • Have 3 cups of dairy or suitable substitute daily. This includes whole cow’s milk, whole plain yogurt, or unsweetened fortified soy beverage.
  • Drink water at or between meals for thirst.

Act early by talking to a doctor, teacher, or social worker if your child:

• Act Early

  • Has little or no ability to see things from another's point of view
  • Shows frustration and poor self-confidence
  • Can't follow spoken and written directions in class
  • Is less able to keep up physical activity
  • Avoids messy play or the feeling of certain textures, like sand, paint, glue, or tape
  • Gets tired easily when doing a writing task
  • Often wanders off topic in conversation
  • Can't sit still