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Physical Development

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Physical Development in Early Childhood

Handedness

Preference of using one hand over the other. Begins as early as 1 year and strengthens; evident at

age 3. Left hemisphere of the brain which controls the right side

of the body is more dominant – right handedness. Right hemisphere dominates – left handed. 90% are right-handed Is it genetic?

Helping Young Children Sleep Regular bed time

Early enough for 10-11 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

Artistic Development Rhoda Kellog:

examined children under 6 years old. Found universal progression of changes

(reflecting brain and muscles maturation). Scribbles: during 2nd year Age 3 – draw shapes (circle, square, rectangle,

crosses, X) …. Combine shapes into more complex figures.

Pictorial stage (age 4 to 5 years) Progression from abstract form and design to

depicting real objects --- reflects cognitive development of representational ability.

Artistic Development 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 3ScribblesVaried pencil grips

Around Age 4

“Drawing print”

Between Ages 4 and

6

Gradually realize writing stands for language, identify individual lettersAdult 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

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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

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

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 Informal and spontaneously organized Seems universal Common in many mammals and across

cultures Peaks in middle childhood Boys do more May help establish dominance hierarchy