The school system can have an impact on the development of positive or negative self-concepts. The school-age provider can build on the positives or fight against the negative concepts instilled in the system. Peer groups are a significant socializer for school-age children. Peers share mutual interests and are a source of help and loyalty. Parents conversely become less important to the school-age child.
Children also begin to separate themselves from the home and move out into the world.
As the child ages, cognitive and social development occurs. Drama provides excellent opportunities for the child to experiment and grow. It is easy for us to focus on the physical gains made at this time and provide outdoor sports experiences to meet the increasing skill level of the children. Once the spaces have been created, child care providers need to determine what types of materials should be included in an area in which dramatic play is more likely to occur. The most important thing for staff to do is to provide some very basic props and allow the children to use their imaginations for the rest.