1 Physical Development

2 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 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 3 Scribbles Varied pencil grips Around Age 4 “Drawing print” Between Ages 4 and 6 Gradually realize writing stands for language, identify individual letters Adult 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.

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