What is one major challenge in semantic development during the school-age years?

During the school-age years, one significant challenge in semantic development is the ability to understand and use non-literal meanings. This includes concepts such as idioms, metaphors, and similes, which require a more advanced level of cognitive processing and understanding of language. As children progress in their language skills, they are exposed to more complex and abstract forms of language that often deviate from the literal meanings of words.

Mastering non-literal meanings is crucial because it enhances a child's ability to engage in more nuanced conversations and understand the subtleties of language that are often used in everyday communication, literature, and social interactions. Successfully navigating this aspect of language development can significantly influence a child’s academic success, social skills, and overall communicative competence, laying a foundation for future language learning and complex reasoning.

In contrast, while using verbs correctly, mastering basic vocabulary, and creating complex sentences are all important aspects of language development, they do not represent the same level of sophistication and cognitive challenge as grasping non-literal meanings. Therefore, focusing on non-literal language use highlights a pivotal area of development that significantly impacts a child’s ability to engage with language in a mature and effective manner.