The Play Years Biosocial Development for ages 2 to 6

Three primary factors influencing physical growth Genetic Background Health care Nutrition –this factor accounts for differences in size of children between rich and poor nations

Dietary issues For all preschoolers, rate of growth slows during this developmental stage This results in intake of fewer calories How these calories are used becomes an important issue for developing bodies

Dietary issues for US children Iron deficient anemia –related to low intake of iron rich foods: leafy vegetables, raisins and other dried fruits, whole grains, eggs, high quality meats Too much sugar intake Too much fat intake Too little fruit and vegetable intake

Experience and the Brain Rapid rate of myelination of neurons occurs at this stage Increasing neural connections due to experience Specific areas of brain expanding relating to emotions, motor functioning, and intellect Corpus callosum increases in size at age 5

Improved brain functioning These physical developments allow preschoolers greater control of emotions, muscle coordination, and reaction time Corpus Callosum growth allows hemispheres of brain better communication and the child can successfully involve both hemispheres in coordination,sensory, emotion, thinking and reaction tasks

Readiness for Reading and Math Development of hemispheres and increased myelenation also aids with the visual pathway, strengthening cognitive abilities to recognize symbols while improving eye-hand coordination and enabling effective writing These changes occur simultaneous to reading, writing, and math instruction in schools

Implications for learning While maturation makes reading, math and writing tasks salient to the child, early exposure to rich language, literature and math concepts are recommended Educational programs which keep activities at the appropriate developmental stage will increase motivation by providing early successful academic experiences

Injury control Preventing injuries by planning ahead, controlling circumstances, preventing certain dangerous activities and adding safety features to other activities –regulation of child proof safety caps –car seat laws –mandatory fencing around pools –helmets worn by cyclists –flame-retardant sleep wear

Mastering Gross Motor Skills Learned by teaching themselves and from other children, rather than through adult instruction

Children’s Art Expresses symbolic understanding Requires fine motor coordination Enhances feelings of accomplishment Provides a medium for self-correction Detail in drawings parallel cognitive development Encourages expression of self

Child Maltreatment Abuse: any action harmful to an individual’s well-being Neglect: any inaction that harms or endangers a person both terms include either physical and/or psychological harm Maltreatment: any intentional harm or endangerment to anyone under 18 years

Cultural Values that protect children from Maltreatment Children are not held responsible for their actions Children are highly valued Children are not the sole responsibility of parents Aggression of any kind is frowned upon

Family contextual factors contributing to maltreatment Poverty Social Isolation

Possible Consequences of Maltreatment Underweight Slower to talk Less able to concentrate Delayed academic growth Negative perception of others Use of drugs Enter poor relationships

Possible Consequences of Maltreatment Become aggressors or victims Sabbotage their careers Establish unhealthy eating patterns Engage in self-destructive behavior

Intergenerational Transmission A destructive and inaccurate assumption that children who are abused will abuse their own children Between 30% and 40% do become abusers, but the majority do not This is a higher rate than the majority population Adults who have processed and healed their own abuse are less likely to abuse

Public Policies that may Prevent Maltreatment Primary Prevention: –Build neighborhoods that support children and families (both financially and relationally) –Encourage planned parenthood –Encourage building of communities –Close the gap between rich and poor