Physical Development

Early Childhood

2

BODY GROWTH

2 to 3 inches (6-7cm) in height and about 5 pounds (2-3kg) in weight are added each year.

Children become thinner. Children lose primary teeth by preschool

years.

3

Asynchronies in Physical Growth

General growth curve Rapid growth

during infancy Slower middle

childhood Rapid during

adolescence Exceptions:

Reproductive and lymph systems

4

BRAIN DEVELOPMENT The brain increases to 90 percent of adult weight

between 2 and 6 years. Increase in synaptic connections Increase in myelination

The two hemispheres of the cortex develop at different rates. The left hemisphere shows dramatic activity between 3

and 6 years and then levels off. WHY? Activity in the right hemisphere increases slowly

throughout early and middle childhood.

Significant development occurs in the prefrontal cortex

5

Nutrition

Slowed growth leads to an appetite decrease Picky eaters seen as adaptive,safe Need a high-quality diet By 7, low-SES about 1 inch shorter

6

Childhood Injuries Accidents are the leading cause of childhood

mortality. Auto, fires, and drowning are the most common. Motor vehicle collisions first cause of death for

children over 1

Injury Mortality for Children

7

MOTOR DEVELOPMENT

Gross Motor Development Center of gravity shifts downward to the trunk,

and balance improves. Preschooler's gait becomes smooth and

rhythmic. Now steadier

New skills like throwing and catching balls, tricycles, and swinging on bars and rings

High level of activity

8

Fine Motor Development

Self-Help Skills Gradually become self-sufficient

at dressing and feeding Shoe-tying around age 6

Drawing and Writing First drawings of a person by

age 3 or 4

9

Cultural Variations in Drawing

In cultures that emphasize art, children's drawings are more sophisticated.

Schooling supports drawing.

Figure drawing varies by culture but follows the same sequence.

U.S. Child’sDrawing

New Guinea Child’s Drawing

10

Printing Exposure to lines and shapes leads to trying to

print letters and, later on, words. Not until reading do kids distinguish between

mirror-image forms.