What ability are upper elementary students typically better at compared to early elementary students?

Upper elementary students are generally better at negotiating agreements with peers as they have developed more advanced social and cognitive skills that facilitate collaboration and conflict resolution. At this age, students typically have a greater understanding of perspective-taking and empathy, enabling them to engage in more sophisticated discussions and navigate group dynamics. Their social interactions become more nuanced, allowing them to articulate their needs and listen to others effectively. This ability to negotiate is rooted in their expanding social awareness and their experience in various group settings, which contrasts with early elementary students, who are still developing foundational skills in peer interactions and may rely more on adult guidance or simpler social strategies.

In comparison, while students in upper elementary grades may also show improvements in memory retention, understanding complex texts, and performing mathematical calculations, negotiating agreements represents a distinct social skill that clearly differentiates them from their younger counterparts.