Physical and Cognitive Development in Middle Childhood

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to physical and cognitive development during middle childhood, including developmental stages, cognitive theories, and learning disabilities.

Middle Childhood

Generally considered the period between 6 and 12 years of age.

Physical Development

5 to 8 cm increase in height per year; 2.75 kg of weight increase per year. Girls have a faster growth rate.

Motor Development

Motor skills refine and become more complex; includes increased flexibility, agility, balance, and strength.

Brain Development

Involves myelination in the cerebral cortex which affects sensory, motor, and association areas, enhancing brain function.

Concrete Operational Stage

Piaget’s third stage of cognitive development (ages 7-11) where children begin to think logically about concrete events.

Strengths of Concrete Operational Stage

Includes the ability to distinguish appearance from reality, conservation, decentration, and understanding hierarchies.

Weaknesses of Concrete Operational Stage

Includes limitations in abstract reasoning, hypothetical reasoning, and deductive logic.

Inductive Reasoning

A type of reasoning that moves from specific instances to general principles.

Deductive Reasoning

A reasoning process that starts with general principles to predict specific outcomes.

Fluid Intelligence

The ability to solve novel problems without relying on prior knowledge, independent of cultural influences.

Crystallized Intelligence

The ability to use knowledge gained from experience and education to solve problems.

Triarchic Theory of Intelligence

Proposes three components of intelligence: practical, creative, and analytical.

Multiple Intelligences Theory

Gardner's theory that suggests eight different types of intelligence, such as linguistic, spatial, and bodily-kinesthetic.

Grammar Development

Involves understanding of more tenses, correction of ambiguity, and advanced vocabulary encompassing morphological knowledge.

Reading Development

Improved working memory and executive function enhance reading comprehension, with phonics instruction typically being more effective than whole-language approaches.

Bilingualism

Refers to children who learn two languages, which may initially lead to lagging behind monolingual peers but improves cognitive skills.

Learning Disabilities

Conditions affecting the acquisition and use of verbal/nonverbal information, occurring in individuals with average abilities.

Types of Learning Disabilities

Includes conditions like dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia that may interfere with learning in various areas.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

A brain disorder characterized by patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity that disrupt functioning or development.

Autism

A neurodevelopmental disorder marked by impaired social interaction and communication and restricted, repetitive behavior.