Ch. 7

Growth occurs at a slower pace than during infancy.
There is a linear relationship between motor activity levels and age, which peaks around ages 7-9.

"Wait and see" strategy for skill development is not ideal.
Early training in motor skills can accelerate acquisition timelines but does not alter the learning sequence.

Brain growth, synapse formation, and myelination continue but at a slower rate.
Lateralization refers to the division of brain functions between the two hemispheres of the cerebral cortex.
The timeline for these changes is genetically predetermined.
The corpus callosum, which connects the two hemispheres, experiences significant growth during early childhood.
The reticular formation plays a role in motor control, and the hippocampus is key for memory formation.

Handedness is influenced by genetics; statistics around left vs. right-handedness have not changed significantly over time.
Preschool children have a higher frequency of illness due to increased social interactions.
Recommended sleep for ages 3-5 is 10-13 hours per night.
Food aversions often develop during preschool years, linked to genetic profiles and predispositions.

Physical skills can be performed but may not be executed well; they require significant focus.
Development is interactive, where training in physical skills aids cognitive training and vice versa.

Increased sickness in children is associated with more interactions in daycare settings.
Well-baby check-ups continue but are less frequent during early childhood.

Sleep problems are common; identifying them early is important to prevent negative consequences.

Canadian children consume excessive sugar, with 25% of their daily intake coming from sugar.
An increase in obesogenic environments (settings conducive to obesity) is influenced by social factors and context.
There is a correlation between excessive screen time and learning delays, with a recommendation to limit preschoolers' screen time to less than 1 hour per day.

Unintentional injuries are a leading cause of death among Canadian children aged 1-4, accounting for approximately 20% of deaths.
Over 90% of childhood injuries are preventable, with more than 50% occurring at home.

The development of the semiotic function is crucial for using symbols in thinking and communication, which enables logical thinking processes.
Egocentrism and centration may impair logical reasoning, illustrated by the conservation concept where a child misconstrues the volume of liquids in differently-shaped containers.

Characterized by the ability to use signs, symbols, and images to represent objects, actions, or ideas not physically present.
Pretend play using objects is not limited to any specific culture and is a universal phenomenon.

Younger children can solve simpler problems before age 5, such as understanding concepts one at a time.
Emotional regulation is notable in preschoolers, who adapt their emotional expressions based on context and expectations.

By ages 2-3, children can begin to adapt their speech and play to their companion.
Development of a theory of mind includes understanding that people's beliefs and desires might differ from one's own; this typically emerges around age 4.

From ages 5 to 7, reciprocal thinking allows for sensitivity to others' feelings and judgments.
By age 6, children start realizing knowledge can be derived through inference, showing various cognitive correlations.

Problem-solving is a socially generated and learned process, where social interaction plays a pivotal role in cognitive growth.
Children learn new words by creating mental