GEE13 - LESSON 3: Childhood Development & Sexual Maturation

Childhood Development

It is the progressive process of physical, emotional, cognitive, and social growth from infancy through early adolescence.

Secondary Sex Characteristics

It is the physical traits that emerge during puberty and distinguish biological maturity without directly involving reproduction.

Curiosity About Others

It is the natural interest in physical differences observed during early development.

Self-Exploration

It is the natural engagement in bodily discovery that supports awareness and development.

Peer Exploration

It is the interaction among children involving examination and role-play that reflects developmental curiosity.

Infancy (Birth To 1 Year)

It is the earliest stage of life focused on attachment, sensory development, and basic physical growth.

Breastfeeding Benefits

It is the provision of nutrition, immunity, and emotional security through maternal feeding and physical contact.

Early Childhood (Ages 1–5 Years)

It is the developmental stage marked by rapid growth, exploration, and early identity formation.

Age 2 Self-Discovery

It is the stage where accidental awareness of the body begins early self-understanding.

Age 3 Curious Exploration

It is the stage where intentional bodily exploration develops through curiosity and pleasure.

Ages 3–5 Gender Identity

It is the period when awareness of being male or female develops along with curiosity about others.

Same-Sex Preference

It is the tendency to form friendships and activities primarily with peers of the same sex.

Physical Closeness

It is the expression of emotional bonds through nonsexual touch such as hugging or hand-holding.

Secondary Characteristics

It is when the hypothalamus directs development of secondary sex characteristics through hormones from ovaries and testes.

Hormonal Development

It is the biological process in which chemical messengers regulate growth and sexual maturation.

Hypothalamus

It is the brain structure that controls hormone release and coordinates sexual development.

Male Secondary Development

It is the biological changes that prepare the male body for reproductive capability.

Meiosis

It is the specialized cell division that produces reproductive cells with half the usual chromosome number.

Mature Spermatozoa

It is the fully developed male reproductive cells capable of fertilization.

Female Secondary Development

It is the biological changes that prepare the female body for reproductive capability.

Primary Oocytes

It is the immature female reproductive cells formed before birth and stored until puberty.

Meiotic Division At Puberty

It is the resumption of cell division that enables reproductive readiness.