What is a key focus of language acquisition during the school-age period?

During the school-age period, a key focus of language acquisition is the gradual change that occurs as children develop their language skills. This period is characterized by significant growth in vocabulary, complexity of sentence structure, and the ability to use language more flexibly and effectively in various contexts. Children start to understand and use language not just for communication but also for academic purposes, which includes both oral and written forms.

Gradual changes in language acquisition involve refining existing skills and learning new ones as children engage with more complex texts and diverse communication situations. This encompasses the transition from learning language in informal settings, such as home, to using language in more formal academic settings. It involves an increased understanding of grammar, narrative skills, and the ability to reason and convey information clearly.

Focusing on this gradual progression recognizes that language development is a process influenced by numerous factors, including social interactions, educational experiences, and cognitive development, rather than expecting immediate mastery of language skills, which is neither realistic nor typical at this age.