2012-5 Physical and Cognitive Changes in Early Childhood

What is the average growth rate in height and weight for children in early childhood?

Children grow approximately 2.5 inches in height and gain 5-7 pounds per year.

How do body proportions change during early childhood?

The trunk and legs lengthen, reducing the top-heavy appearance, and body fat decreases, making children appear leaner.

What significant brain development occurs during early childhood?

Rapid growth spurts, especially in the prefrontal cortex, and myelination improve efficiency and skills like hand-eye coordination.

What are the gross motor skills milestones for children aged 3 to 5?

Age 3: Running, jumping, hopping; Age 4: Climbing, balancing; Age 5: Coordinated races and stunts.

What fine motor skills develop in children from ages 3 to 5?

Age 3: Clumsy but improving (building block towers); Age 4: More precise (better at puzzles); Age 5: Better hand-eye coordination (drawing, cutting).

What are the obesity concerns related to nutrition in early childhood?

High-calorie, low-nutrient diets contribute to obesity; prevention includes more fruits/vegetables, less screen time, and physical activity.

What role does malnutrition play in early childhood development?

Low-income children may lack essential nutrients, and programs like WIC help improve nutrition and cognitive development.

What are the leading causes of illness and death in early childhood?

Accidents (drowning, poisoning), cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

What is Piaget's Preoperational Stage, and what are its key characteristics?

Ages 2-7, characterized by egocentrism, animism, intuitive thought, centration, and lack of conservation.

What is Vygotsky's concept of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)?

Tasks a child can't do alone but can accomplish with guidance.

What is scaffolding in Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory?

Adjusting support as a child learns to help them achieve tasks within their ZPD.

What is private speech according to Vygotsky?

Self-talk that aids problem-solving and cognitive development.

What improvements in attention occur during early childhood?

Attention improves with longer focus and better planning, but children still struggle with distractions.

How does memory develop in early childhood?

Short-term memory improves, and autobiographical memory develops, allowing recall of personal events.

What is executive function and its significance in early childhood?

Includes cognitive inhibition, flexibility, goal-setting, and delay of gratification, linked to school readiness and academic success.

What is Theory of Mind, and how does it develop in early childhood?

Understanding others' mental states; develops from recognizing desires and emotions at ages 2-3 to understanding false beliefs by ages 4-5.

What are key aspects of language development in early childhood?

Mastery of phonology and morphology, improved syntax and semantics, and better pragmatics for conversation skills.

What types of early childhood education programs exist?

Child-Centered Kindergarten, Montessori Approach, and Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP).

What is the purpose of the Head Start program?

To help low-income children with mixed long-term results.

What are the controversies surrounding early childhood education?

Debates on academic vs. play-based learning and whether all 4-year-olds should have access to universal preschool.

What are the key takeaways regarding physical and cognitive changes in early childhood?

Physical growth is slower but steady, cognitive milestones shift from egocentric thinking to understanding others, and quality education impacts long-term success.