Physical Development in Early Childhood

Body Growth

Children grow 2-3 inches, gain 5 lbs yearly.

Skeletal Growth

Development of bones during early childhood.

Epiphyses

Growth plates at the ends of long bones.

Baby Teeth Loss

Children start losing baby teeth around age 6.

Brain Weight Increase

Brain grows from 70% to 90% of adult weight.

Skill Improvement

Perception, coordination, and imagination enhance significantly.

Brain Plasticity

Connections in the brain refine through experience.

Synaptic Pruning

Elimination of unused neural connections for efficiency.

Hemispheric Development

Left and right hemispheres develop distinct skills.

Handedness

Preference for one hand due to brain dominance.

Cerebellum

Coordinates movement; myelination continues into adolescence.

Reticular Formation

Improves sustained attention through synapse formation.

Hippocampus

Supports memory and spatial organization growth.

Amygdala

Regulates emotions through connections with prefrontal cortex.

Corpus Callosum

Facilitates coordination; peaks growth between ages 3-6.

Pituitary Gland

Secretes growth and thyroid-stimulating hormones.

Emotional Well-Being

Influences physical growth and psychosocial development.

Sleep Habits

Impact growth; includes nightmares and sleepwalking.

Nutrition

Essential for preventing malnutrition and promoting growth.

Motor Development

Includes gross, fine, and self-help skills.

Drawing Stages

Progression from scribbles to realistic drawings.