Which activity is most appropriate for developing fine motor skills in the school-age child?

The correct answer is choice A: Signs of stress.

Choice A rationale:

Children often express stress through physical complaints such as stomach pains, headaches, and fatigue. The 9-year-old's complaints of stomach pains, along with the description of aggressive and stubborn behavior, are indicative of stress. Stressors can include academic pressures, family issues, social challenges, or other emotional factors.

Choice B rationale:

Developmental delay refers to a situation where a child's developmental milestones are significantly delayed compared to their peers. This doesn't align with the presented symptoms of stomach pains, aggression, and stubbornness. These symptoms are more indicative of emotional or psychological distress.

Choice C rationale:

While a physical problem could potentially cause emotional stress, the scenario doesn't provide enough information to directly conclude that a physical problem is the primary trigger. Stomach pains could indeed result from emotional stress, and it's important to consider the child's overall well-being.

Choice D rationale:

Lack of adjustment to the school environment can lead to behavioral and emotional challenges, but it's not the most direct explanation for the symptoms described in the scenario. The combination of stomach pains and behavioral changes suggests a more immediate emotional trigger, which is often stress-related.

The correct answer is choice C. They may lie to meet expectations set by others that they have been unable to attain.

Choice A rationale:

Lying resulting from the inability to distinguish between fact and fantasy is more characteristic of younger children and might not be as applicable to the 8 to 10-year-old age group.

Choice B rationale:

While cheating during games might be a behavior observed in children, it doesn't specifically address the characteristic of dishonesty outlined in the question for this age group.

Choice C rationale:

Children aged 8 to 10 years may lie to meet expectations set by others that they have been unable to attain. This is a manifestation of social pressure and the desire to avoid disappointing others or facing consequences for not meeting perceived expectations.

Choice D rationale:

Stealing due to a limited sense of property rights might apply more to younger children who are still developing their understanding of ownership and boundaries.