Chapter 9 Middle Childhood Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

Objectives 1. Define middle childhood. 2. Describe the physiological changes that occur in middle childhood. 3. Describe the cognitive development that occurs in middle childhood and its effect on the development of learning styles. 4. Discuss the psychosocial development that occurs in middle childhood. 5. List at least three ways in which Erikson's task of industry can be fostered in middle childhood. Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 2

Objectives (cont.) 6. Trace the development of moral behavior in the school-age child. 7. Discuss the discipline techniques that are effective in middle childhood. 8. Describe the typical play activities of the school-age child. 9. Discuss the use of intelligence testing for school-age children. Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 3

Objectives (cont.) 10. Discuss the role of peer groups in the growth and development during middle childhood. 11. Discuss the sexual development of and education appropriate for school-age children. 12. Describe the role of daily physical activity in nurturing growth and development and in preventing illness in later life. 13. List the major health-teaching needs of school-age children. Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 4

Key Terms  cognitive style  corporal punishment  discipline  latchkey children  middle childhood  mnemonic technique  moral behaviors  moral reasoning  plaque  social cognition Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 5

Definition  Between the ages of 6 and 12 years  Focus more on fact rather than fantasy.  Major developmental tasks is forming positive self-esteem from internal sources  Ability to develop close peer relationships  Change from concrete thinking to abstract thinking  Develop secondary sex characteristics  Accept more responsibility Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 6

Physiological Changes  Myelinization of the brain is complete  Bones continue to ossify and grow  Physical growth is slow during school-age  Growth spurt just before puberty Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 7

Physiological Changes (Cont.)  Loss of primary teeth begins about age 6  GI tract more mature  Sensory organs mature Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 8

Exercise and Play  Engage in rough-and-tumble play  Competition is often a welcome challenge  Organized sports can develop teamwork and physical fitness  Excessive pressure to win is not helpful and should be avoided Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 9

Exercise and Play (cont.)  School-age children need daily physical activity  Promotes a healthy body composition and bone mass  Academic achievement has been linked to vigorous physical activity in children  Exercised induced asthma  Collecting things or playing board games are often enjoyed by the school-age child Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 10

Growth and Development  Physiological growth  Intellectual competency  Emotional-social competency  Nutrition  Play  Safety Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 11

Cognitive Development  Concrete thinkers  Understand rules  Hands-on learning is the most effective educational method for school-age children  Stage of industry  Social cognition Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 12

Cognitive Deficits  Cognitive deficits must be assessed early so that the child can be successful in school Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 13

Three Phases of Moral Behavior  Knowledge (logic) – Knowing what is right  Emotion – Feeling good or bad about what is right  Action (behavior) – Behaving according to the rule of what is right Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 14

Cognitive Styles  A pattern of thought and reasoning  Mnemonic techniques  Feelings of success encourage the child to continue making efforts Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 15

Communication Skills  Usually able to express themselves verbally  Often use language as an effective communication tool  Language or other communication problemscause a risk for social isolation and underachievement in school Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 16

Intelligence Tests  Stanford-Binet intelligence quotient (IQ) test  Wechsler Intelligence Scale  Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 17

Psychosocial Development  Psychosocial development considerations of the school-age child include Task of Industry, Peer Relationships, Latchkey Children, and Sexuality Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 18

Task of Industry  Gain satisfaction from achieving even small goals  Praise is essential in this stage of development to build motivation to learn and achieve Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 19

Peer Relationships  Begin to compare family values with the values of others  Friendships with same-sex peers are very important  Divorces, family violence, and other home problems can interfere with a child's achievement of developmental tasks  Can develop close relationships with friends Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 20

Critical Thinking Question 1  How should a nurse respond to parents who are concerned that their school-age child will join a gang because of peer pressure? Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 21

Latchkey Children  Left unsupervised after school, because both parents work  Some enjoy the independence and develop maturity and problem-solving skills  Others feel isolated and may be at an increased risk for accidents or getting into trouble  After-school programs Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 22

Critical Thinking Question 2  Why are latchkey children at high risk for injury? Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 23

Sexuality  Freud’s period of sexual latency  Identify with same-sex parents  Often ask questions related to sexuality and should be given honest and accurate answers  Sex education is a lifelong process Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 24

Teaching Techniques  Attention span is limited to a maximum of 45 minutes  Present information in a truthful, factual, and age-appropriate manner  Periods of praise and occasional rewards reinforce learning accomplishments  Peer attitudes can influence learning and can enhance the application of values taught Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 25

Critical Thinking Question 3  How can television and computers be used as an educational medium for school-age children? Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 26

Discipline  Should be thought of as providing age-appropriate positive reinforcement of good behavior  Motivation for misbehavior should be investigated  Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) are likely to misbehave unintentionally  Should combine reward and punishment and should be based on age-appropriate behavior expectations  Corporal punishment Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 27

Critical Thinking Question 4  State personal feelings regarding corporal punishment as a disciplinary method in elementary school. Is it the same as child abuse? If yes, in what way? If no, how is it different? Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 28