Chapter 9 School Age

School Age Period is known as school age, middle years, or late childhood Characteristics Starts with formal education and ends with puberty Growth slow and steady Children move from family toward peers Children are less self-centered, more goal directed Loss of deciduous teeth, permanent teeth appear Sexual tranquility replaces curiosity

Physical Characteristics Height and weight Bone and muscle development Sensory development Dentition

Physical Characteristics (continued) Development of gastrointestinal and nervous system Development of the immune system

Vital Signs Temperature Pulse Respirations Blood pressure

Developmental Milestones Motor development Increased muscle mass and strength Improved gross and fine motor skills Increased endurance and coordination

Sexual Development Still sexually curious Learn about own sexuality Freud’s period of normal homosexuality

Psychosocial Development Erikson’s stage of industry Seen as producers School work important Need for positive reinforcement Need immediate gratification from work Peer relationships very important Family relationships important, but secondary to friendships Privacy important

Discipline Discipline is important—teaches boundaries and limits Need praise and reward Need to take responsibility for possessions and have small jobs at home

Special Psychosocial Concerns Television violence Video/computer usage Unsupervised time after school

Cognitive Development Piaget: concrete operational stage Causation Concept of conservation Seriation Increased attention span Able to follow rules Concepts of time, space, and dimension

Cognitive Development (continued) Concerns regarding bullying School an important aspect of this stage

Moral Development Move from Kohlberg’s preconventional stage to conventional stage—begin to make moral decisions Reciprocity Ethical decision-making Internalize a moral code

Communication More effective communication Improved vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure Use slang, swear words, and secret language

Nutrition Follow the food pyramid Caloric intake based on body size, activity, and metabolism Culture and family influence likes and dislikes Need diets low in saturated fats Breakfast an important meal Food fads common

Nutrition (continued) Concern: obesity Physical effects Psychological impact Strategies to manage obesity

Sleep and Rest Sleep routines well established Need 10–12 hours of sleep Some could benefit from short nap Nightmares and interrupted sleep

Play Focus of play is based on reality and concrete thinking Cooperative style using compromise Team play and competitive sports begin Crafts and quiet activities still of interest

Safety Motor vehicle accidents still a concern Common accidents are related to Biking Skating Swimming/diving Internet dangers School violence

Health Promotion Considered a healthy period of development Need good hygiene and daily care Routine physical exams Eye exam Hearing test Scoliosis screening Routine immunizations

Special Health Concerns Substance abuse Alcohol Tobacco Drugs

Chapter Challenge List three developmental milestones for the school-age child Describe the cognitive level of functioning at this age Explain how moral development occurs at this stage