Understanding Children Primary – 6 – 9 years Presented by Donna J. Habenicht, Ed.D.

Salvation Is For Children Christ came to teach the human family the way of salvation, and He made this way so plain that a little child can walk in it. Ellen G. White Messages to Young People, p. 15

Savior Calls Primaries “As the Holy Spirit moves upon the hearts of the children, cooperate with His work. teach them that the Savior is calling them.” Ellen G. White Ministry of Healing, p. 44

Children Part of the Family of God God wants every child of tender age to be His child, to be adopted into His family. Ellen G. White Counsels to Teachers, p. 269

Growing Physically Active and energetic Well coordinated Learning skills Usually healthy Losing baby teeth Body build shows Growing more slowly Farsighted until 8

Growing Mentally Curious, alert Memorize easily Think literally Great imagination Thinking is doing Learning school skills Word conscious Enjoy games

Growing Mentally - 2 By 8 years beginning to enjoy group discussion. Very limited before that. Love stories. Understand continued story. Fairness very important. Very rule conscious. Difficulty with exceptions or understanding motives.

Growing Socially Sociable, friendly Still self-centered Like opposite sex Respect authority Realize uniqueness Enjoy doing things. Peers influential Need individual goals

Growing Emotionally Easily excited Self-confident Self-critical Perfectionist Worrier, many fears Sensitive feelings Sympathetic Tempted to cheat