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Physical Development

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Physical Development in Early Childhood

Physical Development in Early Childhood

Body Growth Slows Shape becomes more streamlined

Skeletal Growth Continues New growth centers Lose baby teeth

Asynchronies Brain, lymph nodes

grow fastest

Brain Development in Early Childhood

Frontal lobe areas for planning and organization develop

Left hemisphere active Language skills Handedness

Linking areas develop Cerebellum Reticular formation Corpus callosum

Linking Structures of the Brain

Handedness

Begins as early as 1 year and strengthens 90% are right-handed Left-handedness not caused by brain

problems Affected by Experience

Position in uterus Practice

Influences on Physical Growth & Health

Heredity and Hormones Growth hormone Thyroid-stimulating hormone

Emotional Well-Being Psychosocial dwarfism

Sleep Nutrition Infectious Disease

Immunization Childhood Injuries

Helping Young Children Sleep

Regular bed time Early enough for 10-11 hours of sleep

Special pajamas No TV or computer games before bed Bedtime ritual Respond firmly but gently

to bedtime resistance No sleeping medication

Nutrition in Early Childhood Appetite becomes unpredictable Like familiar foods Need high-quality diet Social environment influences food choices

Imitate admired people Repeated exposure to foods Emotional climate,parental pressure Poverty

Factors Related to Childhood Injuries

Individual Differences Gender Temperament

Poverty, low parental education More children in the home Societal conditions

International differences

Motor Skill Development in Early Childhood

Gross Motor Skills Walking, running smoother Catching, throwing,

swinging, riding Fine Motor Skills

Self-help: dressing, eating Drawing

Progression of Drawing Skills

Scribbles: during 2nd year First Representational Forms

Label already-made drawings:

around age 3 Draw boundaries and people:

3–4 years More Realistic Drawings:

preschool to school age Early Printing: Ages 3–5

Development of Children’s Drawing

Development of Printing in Early Childhood

Up to Age 3ScribblesVaried pencil grips

Around Age 4

“Drawing print”

Between Ages 4 and

6

Gradually realize writing stands for language, identify individual lettersAdult pencil grip by age 5

Variations in 3-Year-Olds’ Pencil Grip

Individual Differences in Motor Skills

Body Build Taller, longer limbed better

at running and jumping Sex

Boys: better at power

and force Girls: fine motor skills,

balance, foot movement

Enhancing Early Childhood Motor Development

Mastered through everyday play Formal lessons have little

impact Daily routines support fine

motor development Provide appropriate play

space and equipment Promote fun and positive

attitude

Physical Development in

Middle Childhood

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Body Growth in Middle Childhood

Slow, regular pattern Girls shorter and lighter until about age 9 Lower portion of body growing fastest Bones lengthen Muscles very flexible All permanent teeth arrive

Middle Childhood Growth Worldwide

Shortest children:

South America, Asia, Pacific Islands, parts of Africa Tallest children:

North & central Europe,Australia, Canada, U.S. Secular trend in industrialized countries

toward larger and heavier children

Brain Development in Middle Childhood Myelination increases white matter in

Frontal lobes Corpus callosum

Children acquire complex abilities Neurotransmitters and hormones may affect

cognition and behavior

Common Health Problems in Middle Childhood

Vision – Myopia Hearing – Otitis media (middle ear infection) Malnutrition Obesity Bedwetting Illnesses Injuries

Causes of Myopia Genetics

Myopic parents Asian heritage

Early biological trauma Low birth weight

Experience Reading & close work Computer use

Nutrition Problems in Middle Childhood Little focus on eating Fewer meals with family Too few fruits and vegetables Too many fried foods

and soft drinks Poverty and lack of

nutritional food

Causes of Obesity in Middle Childhood

Overweight parents Early rapid growth or malnutrition Low SES Family eating habits Response to food cues Low physical activity Television

Risks for Obese Children More likely to be

overweight adults Health risks

Blood pressure, cholesterol

Respiratory problems

Diabetes Liver, gall bladder Cancer

Psychological risks Feeling unattractive Stereotyping and

teasing Depression Problem behaviors Early puberty and

sexual problems

Illnesses in Middle Childhood

More acute illnesses first two years of school Exposure Still developing immune system

Chronic Diseases - 15–20 percent Asthma Severe illnesses – 2%

Accidents in Middle Childhood Most common types:

Motor vehicle Bicycle Pedestrian

Prevention Teach safety Model safe behavior Require helmets Watch high-risk children more

Deaths from Injuries, North American Children, Ages 5–19

Motor Development in Middle Childhood

Gross Motor Skills Improvements Flexibility Balance Agility Force

Fine Motor Skills Gains Writing Drawing

Six-Year Old’s Drawing

Eight-Year Old’s Drawing

Ten-Year Old’s Drawing

Individual Differences in Motor Skills

Body build Sex Family encouragement,

expectations SES School & community lessons

available

Physical Play Development in Middle Childhood

Child-Organized Games with Rules Sports Invented Games

Video Games Adult-organized sports Physical Education

Providing Developmentally Appropriate Sports

Build on children’s interests Emphasize enjoyment Let kids contribute

Teach age-appropriate skills Limit practices

Discourage unhealthy competition Focus on personal and team

improvement

Rough and Tumble Play

Friendly chasing and play-fighting

Common in many mammals and across cultures

Peaks in middle childhood Boys do more May help establish dominance

hierarchy