Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Infants, Children, and Adolescents Laura E. Berk 6th edition Chapter 11 Physical Development in Middle Childhood This multimedia product and its contents are protected under copyright law. The following are prohibited by law: Any public performance or display, including transmission of any image over a network; Preparation of any derivative work, including the extraction, in whole or in part of any images; Any rental, lease, or lending of the program.
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 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
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 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
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Brain Development in Middle Childhood The weight of the brain increases by 10%, with considerable growth in the –white matter in the frontal lobes of the cerebral cortex –gray matter Synaptic connections and myelination occur at the same time as synaptic pruning, resulting in greater lateralization of the cerebral hemispheres Children acquire complex abilities Neurotransmitters and hormones may affect cognition and behavior may affect cognition and behavior
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Common Health Problems in Middle Childhood Vision – Myopia Hearing – Otitis media (middle ear infection) MalnutritionObesityBedwettingIllnessesInjuries
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Causes of Myopia Genetics –Myopic parents –Asian heritage Early biological trauma –Low birth weight Experience –Reading & close work –Computer use
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Malnutrition 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
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Obesity Rates on the Rise Today about 1/3 of North American children and adults are overweight. 17% of U.S. children and 15% of Canadian children are obese. A dramatic rise in overweight and obese rates has occurred in many Western nations. Obesity rates are also rapidly increasing in developing nations. In China, for example, 15% of children are overweight, and 3% are obese—a fourfold increase over 50 years ago. Cultural beliefs may contribute to the problem.
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 The Seriousness of the Obesity Epidemic Over 80% of children who are overweight or obese will become overweight adults, at risk for lifelong health problems. Type 2 diabetes is rising rapidly among overweight children, sometimes with severe, early complications.
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Increase in Obesity Among 7- to 18- Year Olds in China from 1985 to 2000
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 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
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Relationship of Television Viewing to Gains in Body Fat From Ages 4 to 11
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Obesity Trends Among Americans and Canadians, 1990 and
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 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
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Illnesses in Middle Childhood More acute illnesses first two years of school –Exposure –Still developing immune system Chronic diseases - 15 – 20% –Asthma –Severe illnesses—2%
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Accidents in Middle Childhood Most common types –Motor vehicle –Bicycle –Pedestrian Prevention –Teach safety –Model safe behavior –Require helmets –Watch high-risk children more
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Rate of Injury Mortality in North America from Middle Childhood to Adolescence
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Children’s Understanding of Health and Illness Children’s understanding of the biological processes underlying health and illness increases with age. School-age children often combine biological explanations with cultural ideas. Unfortunately, children pick up on the negative cultural meanings attributed to diseases like AIDS or cancer. Sensitive education about the causes of disease can help combat irrational fears and foster compassion.
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Motor Development in Middle Childhood Gross Motor Skills Improvements –Flexibility –Balance –Agility –Force Fine Motor Skills Gains –Writing –Drawing
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Six-Year-Old’s Drawing
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Eight-Year-Old’s Drawing
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Ten-Year Old’s Drawing
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Individual Differences in Motor Skills Body build Sex Family encouragement, expectations SES School & community lessons available
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Physical Play Development in Middle Childhood Child-Organized Games with Rules –Sports –Invented Games Video Games Adult-Organized Sports Physical Education
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 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
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 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
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 School Recess 7% of U.S. schools no longer provide recess to students, and many others have recess only once a day. Recess periods don’t subtract time from learning, they actually boost children’s learning capability. Regular, unstructured recess fosters children’s health and competence physically, academically, and socially.