In a year unlike any other, 2020 tested everyone’s patience, adaptability, and emotional strength—even our youngest learners. But amidst all the uncertainty, the five-year-olds at St. James Children’s Center (STJCC) shined brighter than ever. Their ability to grow, learn, and connect despite challenges is nothing short of inspiring.
In this article, let’s take a closer look at the nine most amazing developmental milestones these young learners reached at STJCC—proof that a nurturing environment and the right guidance can help children thrive even in the toughest times.
1. Building Strong Social Skills Through Friendship
One of the most beautiful milestones at STJCC in 2020 was watching friendships bloom. For many five-year-olds, this was the first time they truly built meaningful relationships outside their families.
Through group activities, cooperative games, and supervised playdates, children learned essential life skills such as:
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Sharing and taking turns
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Resolving small conflicts peacefully
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Empathizing with others’ feelings
These moments of connection not only taught teamwork but also helped kids feel a sense of belonging—something especially valuable during a year of social distancing.
2. Advancing in Physical Coordination
If you’ve ever watched five-year-olds at play, you know their energy seems endless. STJCC harnessed that energy into structured physical activities designed to boost gross motor skills.
Running, jumping, climbing, and simple sports helped children strengthen coordination, balance, and endurance. These activities didn’t just improve their health—they also boosted confidence and encouraged them to explore the world more freely.
By integrating physical play into daily routines, STJCC ensured kids developed both strong bodies and joyful spirits.
3. Cognitive Growth During the “Why” Stage
Ah, the famous “Why?” stage—a hallmark of every curious five-year-old! Instead of trying to quiet that curiosity, STJCC embraced it. Teachers designed lessons that encouraged children to ask questions, explore, and discover answers through hands-on learning.
Activities included:
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Mini science experiments that showed cause and effect
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Interactive learning apps that made complex ideas fun
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Storytime discussions to build critical thinking
By nurturing curiosity, STJCC helped these young minds develop a lifelong love for learning.
4. Growing Independence and Self-Reliance
At five, children start wanting to “do it myself,” and STJCC encouraged that independence every step of the way.
Kids were guided to:
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Dress themselves
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Brush their teeth
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Choose healthy snacks
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Take responsibility for small classroom tasks
This focus on self-reliance built confidence, discipline, and decision-making skills—important qualities that set the stage for successful school years ahead.
5. Flourishing Creativity Through Imaginative Play
Creativity was everywhere at STJCC in 2020! The center placed a strong emphasis on imaginative play—a vital part of emotional and cognitive development.
Children participated in role-playing, storytelling, and art activities that allowed them to express feelings, experiment with ideas, and expand their imagination.
Imaginative play also helped:
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Strengthen language and communication skills
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Develop empathy by “stepping into others’ shoes”
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Enhance fine motor skills through art and crafts
These activities gave kids a safe outlet to process emotions and see the world with endless possibilities.
6. Exploring STEM Concepts Early On
It’s never too early to introduce science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). At STJCC, these subjects came alive through fun, inquiry-based activities designed for young learners.
Children learned basic concepts by:
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Building towers to explore balance and gravity
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Mixing colors and measuring ingredients in simple experiments
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Using age-appropriate tech tools to solve puzzles
These early experiences with STEM didn’t just make learning fun—they helped build problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities that will benefit them for years to come.
7. Developing Artistic Expression and Fine Motor Skills
Art was another cornerstone of the STJCC curriculum. Whether drawing, painting, or crafting, children learned to express themselves while refining their fine motor skills.
Through these creative projects, kids improved their hand-eye coordination, learned patience, and experienced the joy of seeing their ideas come to life.
Art also played a big role in emotional development—it gave children a voice to share their thoughts and feelings in a visual, meaningful way.
8. Building Emotional Resilience During Global Challenges
2020 wasn’t easy, even for adults. For young children, the sudden changes in routine and global uncertainty could have been overwhelming. Yet, thanks to the consistent care at STJCC, these kids developed remarkable emotional resilience.
Teachers focused on:
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Maintaining a stable, nurturing environment
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Encouraging open discussions about feelings
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Teaching mindfulness and calm-down strategies
This approach helped children adapt to new routines, manage emotions, and understand that change—while difficult—is something they can handle.
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9. Connecting with the Community and Nature
One of the most meaningful lessons at STJCC was learning about community and environmental awareness. Children participated in nature walks, gardening, and small community projects that instilled a sense of responsibility and kindness toward the world around them.
These activities taught valuable lessons such as:
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Caring for the environment
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Appreciating teamwork in community efforts
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Understanding how small actions can make a big difference
By the end of the year, children weren’t just growing academically—they were learning how to be compassionate, mindful citizens of the world.
Conclusion: A Year of Growth, Strength, and Hope
The journey of STJCC’s five-year-olds in 2020 is a heartwarming reminder of how resilient children can be when surrounded by love, structure, and opportunity. From building friendships and exploring science to finding calm in chaos, these young learners achieved milestones that will shape their futures in powerful ways.
The story of these children isn’t just about education—it’s about hope, adaptability, and the incredible potential of young minds. As we look ahead, the lessons learned from 2020 will continue to inspire educators, parents, and communities to nurture growth through every challenge.
FAQs About 5-Year-Old Development at STJCC
1. What were the main achievements of 5-year-olds at STJCC in 2020?
They mastered key milestones including social skills, physical coordination, curiosity-driven learning, independence, creativity, STEM exploration, artistic growth, emotional resilience, and environmental awareness.
2. How did STJCC support physical development?
Through structured play, outdoor activities, and movement-based learning that encouraged coordination, strength, and confidence.
3. What role did imaginative play have in development?
It helped children express emotions, think creatively, and build empathy—all while strengthening problem-solving and communication skills.
4. How did STJCC integrate STEM learning for young kids?
With hands-on, interactive activities that made science, math, and technology exciting and accessible for five-year-olds.
5. How was emotional resilience fostered during the pandemic?
By providing consistency, emotional support, and mindfulness activities that helped children adapt and stay positive despite uncertainty.
