The Right Story at the Right Time

What kinds of tales can your child understand and appreciate now? Follow these age-by-age guidelines.

Nov 06, 2012

Ages

6-7

At age 6, children may:

  • begin, with guidance, to consider underlying reasons for a character's behavior
  • be better able to recognize more subtle emotions in characters (for example, disappointment, confusion, frustration, embarrassment, and panic), even though they may not have the vocabulary for them
  • gradually realize that a character's actions and intentions could be contradictory
  • respond to stories that show triumph over adversity


At age 7, children may:

  • use their growing vocabulary to discuss characters' virtues, shortcomings, and motives, such as envy
  • be attracted to stories that address accepting individual differences and showing tolerance
  • appreciate that mixed emotions are possible
  • read and invent stories that depict powerful emotional responses and changes in the characters
Reading Comprehension
Vocabulary
Book Selection Tips
Critical Thinking
Imagination
Age 7
Age 6
Reading
Reading Response
Story Elements
Reading Comprehension