Unit 4: Physical + Child Development

What is physical growth?

changes in height, weight, and body proportions over time

What is the average measurement of a newborn?

6-9 pounds and about 20 inches long, with a large head

What major growth changes occur in the first two years?

weight triples in year one, by age two children are 50% of adult height and 25% of adult weight

How do children grow during the preschool years?

6-7 pounds and 2-4 inches per year

What is the cephalocaudal principle?

growth occurs from head downward

What is the proximodistal principle?

growth occurs from the center of the body outward

What are percentiles of physical growth?

comparisons of a child’s height and weight to peers of the same age and sex

Why aren’t percentiles absolute?

growth is affected by nutrition, sleep, illness, and environment

Why are percentiles useful?

they track growth patterns and help identify potential health issues

How does sleep affect physical growth?

sleep releases growth hormones and supports immune and nervous system health

How does economics affect physical growth?

it influences access to nutritious food, affecting healthy growth

What are motor skills?

coordinated muscle movements used to perform tasks

What is the difference between gross and fine other skills?

g motor skills use large muscles, f motor skills use small muscle with eye coordination

How do growth principles relate to motor development?

children control the head and trunk before limbs and fingers

Why is motor development important for learning?

movement allows exploration that promotes cognitive and social development

What are motor development red flags?

delays in motor milestone that may indicate developmental, neurological, or nutritional problems

How are physical and cognitive development connected?

physical abilities allow exploration, that supports brain development and learning

What is malnutrition?

imbalance of nutrients and energy needed for healthy growth

What is under nutrition and its main cause?

lack of sufficient nutrients, often caused by poverty

What are the consequences for under nutrition?

stunted growth, motor delays, cognitive impairments, illness, and lower school achievement

What causes childhood obesity?

poor diet, lack of physical activity, and economic factors

What are the consequences and prevention of childhood obesity?

consequences diabetes and hearth disease, prevention includes healthy diet, activity, sleep, and access to nutritious food

How do nutrition, sleep, and motor development affect physical and genitive development?

nutrition and sleep support growth hormone release and brain development. Motor development allows children to explore their environment, promoting cognitive growth. Poor nutrition or sleep can delay motor skills, stunt growth, and negatively affect learning