Topic 6

Topic 6: Developmental Milestones

• A child’s physical and motor development is best understood via developmental milestones.

Physical Growth

• Physical growth during childhood and adolescence is observable and can help predict adult height from birth length; age two is a more accurate guide.

• Growth tables and graphs are used for monitoring development.

• Newborn Stage:

  • Periods of peak development require rest, diet, and exercise.

  • Rapid growth symptoms: by age three, a child has typically doubled in height and tripled in weight.

• Toddler Stage:

  • Important for introducing curriculum activities based on physical skill development order.

  • Boys and girls exhibit differences in physical growth; health and sex education programs tailored accordingly.

• Young Child Stage:

  • Comparing growth with norms is crucial for detecting issues like obesity that may necessitate intervention.

Study Findings

• Research (Chia & Wang, 2003) showed that:

  • Underweight children reported better body weight satisfaction and physical self-worth compared to overweight or normal-weight children.

  • Higher levels of physical fitness noted, particularly in girls.

  • Body satisfaction can predict eating disorders in girls as young as 8.

  • Over 85% of Australian girls aged 14 to 16 have been on a diet (ABS, 2016).

Health and Social-Emotional Issues

• Issues can lag development or cause behavior problems, including:

  • Near-sightedness (~25% of children)

  • Asthma (~15% of children)

  • Weight issues

  • Common sicknesses ( e.g. viruses, measles, chickenpox)

Case Study: Brady

• 18-month-old boy, born 8 April 2018.

• Raised by grandmother while mother Rae works; formula-fed from birth.

• Started solid foods at 5 months; regular healthcare check-ups, with growth tracked.

Physical Development Timeline

Birth

• Physical Domain: Startle reflex, grasping, and sucking.

• Cognitive Domain: Visual, auditory tracking.

• Psychosocial Domain: Cries and soothes during feeding.

Infancy (0-2 years)

• Physical: Walking, standing, reaching, grasping.

• Cognitive: Language acquisition, searches for lost objects.

• Psychosocial: Attachment to caregivers.

Early Childhood (2-5 years)

• Physical: Climbing stairs, throwing a ball, simple drawings.

• Cognitive: Vocabulary expansion, dramatic play.

• Psychosocial: Awareness of preferred playmates and gender roles.

Middle Childhood (6-12 years)

• Physical: Skillful running, throwing, special skills (e.g., riding a bicycle).

• Cognitive: Problem-solving, reading, and writing.

• Psychosocial: Friendships and gender segregation.

Adolescence (12-18 years)

• Physical: Puberty and growth spurts.

• Cognitive: Development of abstract thinking and adult-like interests.

• Psychosocial: Interest in sexual relationships, dating, and first jobs.

Prenatal Development/In Utero

• Prenatal influences include:

  • Diseases, chromosomal abnormalities, diet, drugs, and birth complications.

  • Genetics and environment critically affect development.

Physical Development in Early Childhood (2-6 years)

• Average yearly growth:

  • 6 cm and 2-3 kg increase.

  • Loss of body fat and increase in muscle mass.

  • Complete set of baby teeth by age 3.

  • Brain growth: 75% by 5 years, and 90% by 6 years.

• Little gender difference in growth rates; significant developmental tasks related to socially valued skills.

Importance of Play

• Play is crucial for mastering physical skills, learning, and socialization.

• Neuroscientific evidence demonstrates the role of emotions in learning facilitated by play.

• Play contributes to child’s intrinsic worth and social satisfaction.

Role of Preschool

• Research indicates preschool enhances:

  • Physical, social, and intellectual development, and school readiness.

  • Particularly beneficial for children from low socioeconomic backgrounds.

Physical Development by Age 6

• Coordination of body movements:

  • Gross Motor Skills: Running, jumping, kicking, etc.

  • Fine Motor Skills: Drawing, writing, cutting, etc.

• Independence in daily routines increases and awareness of social interactions grows.

Physical Development in Mid to Late Childhood (7-11 years)

• Asynchrony in muscle and skeletal growth observed:

  • Average yearly growth: 4.4 to 6.6 cm and 2 to 2.75 kg.

  • Loss of first teeth and rapid gross motor skills growth.

  • Continued development of fine motor skills and maturation of sexual characteristics (earlier in girls).

Gender Differences in Development

• Girl’s development typically features more fat and early maturation compared to boys, who develop more muscle.

• Although physical abilities are largely equal, differences exist in motor skills.

Current Situation in Playgroups (up to Grade 2)

• Playgroups tend to be gender-segregated with rigid stereotypes on behavior.

• Boys engage in more active fantasy play (heroic themes) vs. girls (romantic themes).

Strategies to Overcome Gender Differences

• Encourage equal athletic skill development in all children.

• Foster equal achievement expectations across curriculum areas.

• Monitor and facilitate safe engagement in playground activities.

Summary: Key Principles of Physical Development

• Motor Skills: Involves muscle movements; gross motor skills include larger movements while fine motor skills involve smaller, precise actions.

• Development follows a sequence from basic reflexes to complex movements, indicating differentiation and integration of skills.