All children this age, however, desperately want to please their teacher who rides a wave of popularity not afforded any other teacher in the school. Like kindergartners, lower elementary children are uninhibited. They may not accept failure well, however, and need frequent praise. The set cleavage begins in these grades. Boys tend to play with boys, usually accompanied by the grunts and groans of heavy machinery.
Girls tend to play with girls, often acting out more tranquil pursuits.
Their conversation is improving in the sense that it is evolving from egocentric to more socialized speech. Lower elementary children may try their hand at vulgar language, more for the shocked reaction they receive than anything else. Although the teacher cannot allow such language, she must realize that the child often has little idea of what his words actually mean. He may have heard them from neighborhood playmates or even from his parents. Students in upper elementary are beginning to oppose adults.