Which practice best aligns with Erikson's stage of industry vs. inferiority in late childhood?

• A. Promoting mastery experiences, providing supportive feedback, valuing each contribution, and encouraging peer collaboration.
• B. Focusing on competition and public comparison exclusively.
• C. Avoiding praise to prevent entitlement.
• D. Emphasizing rote compliance and speed.

Answer: (A)

In late childhood, children are building a sense of industry—feeling capable and competent through mastering skills and contributing to tasks. The best practice fits this by creating plenty of opportunities to master new skills, giving feedback that is specific and supportive, valuing each child’s contribution, and encouraging teamwork with peers. This combination helps children see their progress, feel their efforts are meaningful, and learn to rely on collaboration to succeed, which strengthens their sense of competence rather than inferiority.

Options that focus only on competition and public comparison can undermine self-worth if a child doesn’t come out on top. Avoiding praise deprives children of the recognition that reinforces effort and progress. Emphasizing rote obedience and speed shifts emphasis away from genuine skill development and collaboration, which are central to building industry.