Chapter 8: Physical

Development in Early Childhood

Changes in the Young Child: Height and Weight
rate of growth declines with age

girls have more fatty tissue and boys have more muscle tissue

Factors that affect growth:

ethnic origin

nutrition

birth order

SES

urban versus rural upbringing (agriculture nutrition)

maternal smoking

prenatal development

emotional difficulties

childhood illness. (born with illness)

Growth Hormone Deficiency (pituitary gland)

The Brain
brain and head grow the fastest

neural changes between neurons and myelination

myelination— the process in which nerve cells are covered and insulated
with fat cells, increasing information transfer speed and efficiency.

The Brain and Cognitive Development

Density of synapses peaks at 4 years old

Chapter 8: Physical Development in Early Childhood 1

 true episodic memory may begin

development of self-awareness

dopamine is key to neural activity

Gross and Fine Motor Skills Development

3 y/o —simple movements, run, jump (highest activity level)

4 y/o —more adventurous and climbs up and down

5 y/o —try hair raising stunts on any climbing object

Development of gross motor skills, and feeling confident about them are important
co-developing factors

participation, desire to move, builds muscles, strengthens heart and enhances

aerobic capacity

Fine motor skills are also developing:

3 y/o— mature ability to place and handle things

4 y/o—improved and precise coordination

5 y/o— body movements are under better command of the eye; seeking
complex activities

Perceptual Development
Detecting boundaries in colors. Research found that:

young children’s artistic drawing

unintended irregularities suggest spontaneity, freedom and directness

lavish colors dont quite match the reality of subjects

one basic form can cover a range of objects

art convey feelings and ideas

drawing and constructing provide opportunities to problem-solve in

creative ways

Chapter 8: Physical Development in Early Childhood 2

 Drawing: Developmental Changes and Stages

Aspects of Young Children’s Health: Sleep and Sleep Problems

Sleep is an important aspect of development

Most young children need 11 to 13 hours of sleep

Chapter 8: Physical Development in Early Childhood 3

 cool, dark, comfortable room

consistent bedtimes and wake times

positive family relationships

calm children down before bedtime

Sleep Problems:

peer problems, over weight, attention problems, and accidental injury

nightmares

night terrors

somnambulism (sleep walking)

sleep talking

Aspects of Young Children’s Health: Nutrition

Calorie needs increase with age (1800 cal/day)

balanced diets

eating behaviors influenced by caregivers

many parents do not recognize their children are overweight

Chapter 8: Physical Development in Early Childhood 4

 Fat and Sugar consumption is a concern

fussy eaters

Lower-income families are often at risk of malnutrition

cognitive deficits and behavioral and conduct problems

Aspects of Young Children’s Health: Exercise 🏃🏻‍♂️

three hours of physical activity per day is recommended

effective for reducing body fat and cognitive development

Health, Safety and Illness

Young children are by nature, more at risk for serious injury and accidents

unintentional injuries (accidents)

Influences on children’s safety:

teach safety behavior

family and home influences

school and peer influences

community actions

Contexts of Young Children’s Health

Chapter 8: Physical Development in Early Childhood 5

 low income is linked with poor health for children

bad upbringing environment

ethnicity is also linked to children’s health

Western children are less likely to have consistent healthcare

parents behavior

exposure to smoke

lower intelligence, lower achievement, adhd, memory problems, and

elevated blood pressure

Chapter 8: Physical Development in Early Childhood 6