School-Age Child & Adolescent Development Vocabulary (5)

30 vocabulary flashcards summarizing key terms related to school-age and adolescent development, health promotion, and safety.

Scoliosis

Abnormal lateral curvature of the spine; school-age children should be routinely screened.

Deciduous Teeth

Primary teeth that begin to shed around age 6 years.

Permanent Teeth

Secondary teeth that erupt rapidly after age 6; dental checkups recommended every 6 months.

Industry vs. Inferiority

Erikson’s psychosocial task for school-age children; successful skill mastery builds competence and self-confidence.

Bullying

Repeated, unwanted aggressive behavior among peers involving a power imbalance (physical, verbal, relational, or cyber).

Concrete Operational Stage

Piaget phase (7–11 yr) where children think logically about concrete objects and can classify, sort, and organize facts.

Developmental Tasks of the School-Age Child

Include belonging with family/peers, forming work habits, achieving academic competence, and refining motor skills.

20/20 Vision

Typical visual acuity reached in the school years; regular vision testing is advised.

School-Age Vital Signs

Pulse 55–90 bpm, respirations 22–24/min, blood pressure about 110/65 mm Hg.

Childhood Obesity

Excess body weight in middle childhood that strongly predicts adult obesity; increased physical activity is key prevention.

Sleep Needs (School-Age)

About 12 h/night at 6 yr and 10 h/night at 12 yr; lack of sleep causes fatigue and poor learning.

Team Sports Participation

Can build coordination, strength, and peer loyalty but may also cause feelings of inadequacy in some children.

Television Violence

Exposure linked to aggressive behavior; parents should limit viewing time, screen content, and co-view with discussion.

Signs of Troubled Childhood Behavior

Peer conflicts, uncontrolled outbursts, bullying, social isolation, poor grades, weapon focus, or threats of revenge.

Gun Safety Rules for Children

Stop, do not touch, leave the area, and report any gun to an adult.

Gun Safety Rules for Adults

Store guns locked, keep ammunition in a separate locked place, and secure poisonous cleaning supplies.

Adolescence

12–19 yr transition from childhood to adulthood that begins with puberty.

Puberty

Onset of reproductive capability marked by maturation of primary and secondary sexual characteristics.

Menarche

First menstrual period signaling female sexual maturity.

Sperm Production

Beginning of viable sperm formation that marks sexual maturity in males.

Primary Sexual Characteristics

Organs directly involved in reproduction (ovaries, testes, uterus, penis, breasts).

Secondary Sexual Characteristics

Visible bodily changes not directly related to reproduction, such as pubic hair and voice changes.

Identity vs. Role Confusion

Erikson’s psychosocial conflict of adolescence; youth seek a coherent personal identity.

Formal Operational Stage

Piaget stage where adolescents develop abstract reasoning and systematic, scientific problem-solving skills.

Adolescent Caloric Requirements

Peak growth demands ~2600 kcal/day for females and ~3600 kcal/day for males.

Iron Needs in Adolescence

High due to muscle growth, blood volume expansion, and menstrual losses; equal in both sexes.

Calcium Needs in Adolescence

Increased for rapid skeletal growth; often requires extra milk or fortified foods.

Sports-Related Injury Risks

Growth-spurt imbalances raise injury risk; warm-up and stretching reduce danger.

Safety Helmets

Essential protective gear that prevents head injuries in cycling, skating, and contact sports.

Parenting Tips During Adolescence

Keep communication open, set realistic rules, respect privacy, choose battles wisely, and stay involved in activities.