Learning The 9 Most Amazing Things 5-Year-Olds Accomplish 2020 STJCC

2020 was a year most of us will never forget. Between the pandemic, lockdowns, and sudden lifestyle changes, adults struggled to adapt. But do you know who surprised everyone with their resilience? Five-year-olds.

At St. James Children’s Center (STJCC), little learners didn’t just survive that tough year—they thrived. They hit incredible developmental milestones, showing us all that growth, creativity, and adaptability can shine even in uncertain times.

Let’s dive into the nine most amazing things these kids accomplished and what we can learn from their journey.

1. Building Social Skills Through Friendships

One of the biggest leaps kids made at STJCC was in social development.

At five, children begin to form their first “real” friendships outside of family. In 2020, despite restrictions, STJCC created safe spaces for kids to connect. Through small-group activities and guided play, children learned:

• Conflict resolution – sharing toys, solving disagreements fairly

• Cooperation – working together on projects and games

• Empathy – understanding how their friends feel

Friendships became their safe harbor in a stormy year. These bonds taught them life skills that textbooks simply can’t cover.

2. Leveling Up Physical Coordination

If you’ve ever watched a five-year-old run, climb, or jump, you know this is when gross motor skills really take off.

At STJCC, kids spent time outdoors, playing games that boosted their balance, coordination, and overall confidence. Activities like obstacle courses and playground fun helped them:

• Strengthen muscles and stamina

• Improve balance and agility

• Build self-confidence through physical achievement

Even in a challenging year, movement became medicine.

3. Cognitive Growth During the Endless “Why?” Stage

Five-year-olds are notorious for asking “Why?”—and honestly, it’s one of the best things about them.

Educators at STJCC embraced this curiosity, turning constant questions into learning opportunities. Through simple science experiments, story-based learning, and interactive apps, kids discovered answers to questions like:

• Why does the sun disappear at night?

• What makes plants grow?

• How do bridges stay up?

This stage nurtured their critical thinking, problem-solving, and love for lifelong learning.

4. Growing Independence and Self-Reliance

By five, kids are ready to do more on their own—and in 2020, that independence became even more important.

STJCC encouraged children to:

• Dress themselves

• Brush their own teeth

• Pick out healthy snacks

• Take responsibility for simple daily routines

These small steps gave them a huge sense of pride. Independence doesn’t just build confidence—it lays the foundation for responsibility and decision-making later in life.

5. Creativity Blossoming Through Imaginative Play

2020 may have limited in-person gatherings, but it didn’t limit imagination.

At STJCC, role-playing, storytelling, and creative arts were front and center. Kids pretended to be doctors, superheroes, teachers—even astronauts.

Why does this matter? Because imaginative play helps children:

• Express emotions in healthy ways

• Develop storytelling and communication skills

• Strengthen problem-solving through make-believe scenarios

It’s no exaggeration to say their creativity flourished, even when the outside world felt limited.

6. Exploring STEM in Simple, Fun Ways

Think five-year-olds are too young for STEM? Think again.

STJCC introduced STEM concepts through playful, hands-on experiences. Kids built towers with blocks, tested which objects sink or float, and even dabbled in beginner coding games.

Through this, they learned:

• Basic science (cause and effect, observation skills)

• Math concepts (counting, sorting, patterns)

• Engineering (building and problem-solving)

These activities sparked curiosity and laid the groundwork for future learning in science and technology.

7. Artistic Expression and Fine Motor Skills

Art wasn’t just fun—it was developmental.

Drawing, cutting, painting, and crafting gave kids an outlet to express feelings while also fine-tuning their motor skills.

By 2020’s end, many five-year-olds could:

• Write their names clearly

• Use scissors safely

• Draw detailed pictures with more control

This growth supported their creativity and prepared them for academic tasks like writing and reading.

8. Emotional Resilience in a Tough Year

Perhaps the most inspiring milestone was how these kids learned emotional resilience.

The pandemic disrupted routines, caused stress at home, and introduced scary concepts like “social distancing.” Yet, with the support of STJCC teachers and staff, children learned to:

• Adapt to new schedules and safety rules

• Manage big emotions like fear and sadness

• Practice patience and flexibility

Their ability to bounce back from challenges is proof that resilience can be taught—and that kids are often stronger than we think.

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9. Building Community Connections and Environmental Awareness

Even during restrictions, STJCC found ways to connect kids with their community and environment.

Through activities like gardening, nature walks, and small community service projects, children learned to:

• Appreciate nature and sustainability

• Care for plants, animals, and the planet

• Understand the importance of helping others

This early sense of responsibility toward the world around them will shape them into compassionate citizens.

Why These Milestones Matter

The achievements of five-year-olds at STJCC in 2020 weren’t just cute—they were transformative. These milestones show us that:

• Kids are incredibly adaptable

• Supportive environments make a difference

• Early education is about much more than academics

Their growth reminds us that even in uncertain times, children can thrive when given encouragement, structure, and love.

FAQs About STJCC and 5-Year-Old Development

Q1: What were the main achievements of 5-year-olds at STJCC in 2020?
They developed social skills, improved physical coordination, grew more independent, explored STEM, strengthened creativity, built resilience, and more.

Q2: How did STJCC support physical development?
Through outdoor play, sports, and structured movement activities that improved gross motor skills and boosted confidence.

Q3: What role did imaginative play have in development?
It nurtured emotional expression, problem-solving, and communication skills, making creativity a key part of learning.

Q4: How did STJCC integrate STEM for young learners?
With simple experiments, block building, nature-based exploration, and fun math and science activities tailored for kids.

Q5: What steps were taken to build emotional resilience during the pandemic?
STJCC maintained structure, offered emotional support, and helped children adjust to new routines while encouraging open communication.

Final Thoughts

The story of these five-year-olds proves something powerful: childhood development doesn’t stop in tough times—it adapts and thrives.

At STJCC, 2020 became a year of breakthroughs, not setbacks. From forming their first friendships to developing resilience that many adults admire, these kids showed us all what growth under pressure looks like.

And if there’s one takeaway for parents, teachers, and communities, it’s this: with the right environment, even the youngest learners can achieve incredible things.