Middle Childhood: Biological Development
Chapters 10
Biological development
Brain development
Almost reaches adult weight.
Increasing connections among neurons, leading to enhanced cognitive abilities.
Coordination of various parts of the brain improves, allowing for smoother functioning.
Faster reaction time and better executive functioning skills are notable in this age.
Brain development: Sex differences
Overall brain size varies between sexes; studies show differences in growth rates and structures.
Gray matter development also exhibits differences, with areas maturing at different times depending on sex.
Brain volume peaks at various stages across childhood, which affects learning capacities.
Gray matter volume peaks occur in different lobes at different times, reflecting developmental variances.
Many questions remain about how these physical developments influence academic outcomes, needing further research.
Lower Growth Rate
Rate of growth slows significantly; typically, children grow about 2-3 inches and gain approximately 5 pounds per year during middle childhood.
Improvement is observed in both gross and fine motor skills, leading to enhanced muscle strength and agility.
Increased coordination and balance, which are crucial for participating in more complex physical activities and sports.
Sports Activities
Pros:
Physical: Participation in sports promotes physical fitness and combat a sedentary lifestyle.
Cognitive: Engaging in sports can improve concentration, quick thinking, and decision-making skills.
Social: Team sports encourage teamwork, communication, and social bonding with peers.
Cons:
Increased risk of injury, especially in competitive sports settings.
Pressure to perform may affect mental health and self-esteem.
Need for Movement
Physical activity is essential for brain development, promoting cerebral blood flow and enhancing neurotransmitter activity.
Regular movement leads to better moods and psychological well-being.
Embedded Cognition: Physical activity is linked to cognitive performance, encapsulating the idea that the mind and body are interconnected.
Risks of Youth Sports
Children ages 5 to 14 account for two-thirds of all sports-related injuries, highlighting the need for safety measures.
The majority of injuries occur during practice rather than during games, indicating potential gaps in coaching and supervision.
Some common reasons for higher injury rates in this age group include lack of experience, growth spurts that affect coordination, and insufficient warm-up routines.
Childhood Obesity
Current statistics show that 20.7% of children aged 6-11 are obese (2017-2020, CDC), with the pandemic exacerbating pre-existing issues by limiting physical activity.
Obesity rates vary by socioeconomic status:
11.5% among U.S. children with a family income over 350% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
21.2% among those with family incomes between 130% to 350% of FPL.
25.8% among children with family incomes at or below 130% of FPL.
Future health problems linked to childhood obesity include a higher risk of chronic diseases, decreased academic achievement, lower self-esteem, and increased loneliness among affected children.
Possible causes of childhood obesity include poor dietary habits, lack of physical activity, and genetic predispositions, necessitating a comprehensive approach towards prevention and intervention strategies to foster healthier lifestyles in children.
Ch 10
Middle Childhood: Biological Development
Chapters 10