What is a primary language characteristic of middle childhood, ages 6-10?

During middle childhood, which spans the ages of 6 to 10, children experience significant language development. One of the primary characteristics of this stage is an increased understanding of temporal and comparative language. As children grow, they begin to grasp concepts related to time, such as past, present, and future, as well as comparative terms that allow them to make distinctions and comparisons between different objects or scenarios.

For example, children become better at using words like "before," "after," "more," and "less," which helps them communicate their thoughts more effectively and understand complex narratives. This development is crucial for their overall cognitive growth, academic success, and social interactions, as it enriches their ability to express ideas and understand the context of conversations.

The other options highlight aspects of language development that are either less prominent or not typical for this age group. While articulation and vocabulary continue to develop during middle childhood, children at this stage are still mastering these skills rather than fully mastering or articulating them completely.