Ch 10

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.