Activities and Interests
Nine year olds are absorbed in their play interests and will spend hours at their chosen activities. Children's interests begin to follow personal styles of introversion and extraversion. Many enjoy solitary play - video games, tv, reading, dolls, construction sets, or crafts. Other nine-year-old boys and girls love sports, especially soccer, baseball, football, and basketball. Most kids at nine enjoy bicycling, skating, swimming, and other forms of independent, active play; though they are not as proficient at them as they will be at ten.
Many nine year olds will begin to show a great interest in reading. With these children, no pushing is needed from parents. Simply providing the opportunity to check out library books or to buy books is all parents need to do to help the child begin a lifelong love of books and reading.
Some nine year olds are very interested in music and learning to play a musical instrument. They will readily attend lessons and practice to develop their skills. Other nines are obsessed with watching TV. Most nines know the days and times of a long list of favorite TV programs. TV programs are a frequent topic of conversation among nine year olds.
Suggested Toys for Nine-Year Olds
- Sports equipment and active play games and toys
- Age-appropriate video games
- Bicycle
- Junior musical instruments, karaoke, dance videos
- TV or DVD player
- Mini mp3 player and age-appropriate popular music
- Books
- Creative science, craft, and construction kits
- Doll collections
- Board games, card games
- Remote-controlled vehicles
Next > The Nine-Year Old - Friendships
Child Development - The Nine-Year Old
At Home
At School
At Play