Physical Development in Early Childhood

Child Development

Early Childhood (2-7-years)Talk about Height & WeightLearn about nutrition and make a menu for

a childThe BrainGross Motor SkillsFine Motor SkillsArtSleepHealth, Safety, and Illness

Height & WeightAverage children grow about 2.5 inches and

gain between 5-7 pounds a year during early childhood.

Body fat shows a decline. Crawling and walking uses more calories

Unusual Shortness may be a lack of growth hormone.This hormone is produced by the pituitary

gland and stimulates the body to grow.

NutritionDeveloping a healthy diet from a young age

is important because we learn eating habits. Energy intake should not exceed caloric

need.Effects skeletal growth, body shape,

susceptibility to disease.Energy Needs:

AGE WEIGHT(Kg)

HEIGHT (Cm)

ENERGY NEEDS (Cal)

CALORIE RANGES(Cal)

1 to 3 years

13 90 1,300 900-1,800

4 to 6 years

20 112 1,700 1,300-2,300

7 to 10 years

28 132 2,400 1,650-3,300

Eating BehaviorYoung children’s eating behaviours are

strongly influenced by caregivers.1970’s-1990’s dietary shifts:

Eating out or away from homeIncrease in energy from salty snacks, pizza,

and soft drinksDecrease in energy from milk45% of children’s meals exceed

recommendation for saturated and trans fat

Overweight Young ChildrenChildhood obesity has become a growing problem in

the USAOverweight children will continue to be overweight Health risks include; Diabetes, heart issues, self-esteem

ect.Fats and Sugar intake:

Foods high in protein are also sometimes high in fats. This is especially true for fast foods

The average American child eats almost 2 pounds of sugar per week. This is one of the causes of obesity and can cause dental problems

Children from low-income families consume more sugars than their counterparts

MalnutritionMalnutrition is seen often in young children

from low income families Malnutrition is linked to cognitive deficitsFailure to eat quality meats and dark green

vegetables can lead to iron deficiency, chronic fatigue, and other health problems

A study found children who were malnourished at 3 years showed more hyperactive and aggressive behavior at age 8.

Caregivers and Eating BehaviorCaregivers can improve eating behavior

and child health by:Eating on a scheduleModeling healthy eating habitsMaking mealtimes pleasant occasionsHaving expectationsletting the child focus on eating and not

arguments or television

Make your own menu Get into groups and create a menu for a child

First choose the age group you will make your menu for…

Then think about what would be a balanced diet for that child. Look back at your chart if you are unsure.

You will present your menus to the class

The BrainThis time is a period of rapid frontal lobe

growth.Working memory increases and the brain

begins to specialise more and more as there is a time of rapid learning.

By age 6 the brain has reached 95% of the adult volume.

Neurons transmit faster and more effectively.

Myelination also increases the size of the brain as well as the increasing speed and efficiency of information traveling through the nervous system.Remember-Myelination is when nerve cells

are insulated with a layer of fat cells.

Gross Motor SkillsProgress in children's gross motor skills

3-years: Hopping, Jumping, Running skills.4-years: More adventurous, Jungle gyms,

climb stairs with one foot on each step.5-years: Even more adventurous with stunts

ect. Run hard, and enjoy races. May begin organised sport.

6-7 years: Increasing prowess and becoming more athletic if they are participating in sport.

Preschool and elementary children are very active!

Fine Motor SkillsProgress in children’s fine motor skills

At 3-years: Children show maturing ability to place and handle objects. They can build block towers and use simple jigsaw puzzles.

At 4-years: They are increasingly precise. Efforts to build high towers may be impeded by want for precision. Use smaller puzzles and are not rough while placing pieces in the picture.

At 5-7-years: Hand-body move together in a more synchronised way. These children begin to use their imaginations and make block houses and roads ect.

Assessing Motor SkillsOne Test you may come across is the

Brigance.This test assesses both fine and gross

motor skillsThis is a standardised way to assess child

development, so there are positive factors as well as negative factors for this assessment.

Fine Motor: Child must draw +, ---, X, square, circle, rectangle, and parallel lines.

Gross Motor: Child must stand on one foot for 10 seconds, tip toe, jump on one foot, and build a block tower.

There are standards according to age group.

Sleep Sleep is integral to developmentChildren experience different types of problems:

Nightmares- Frightening dreams that awake the sleeper.

Night Terrors- Incidents characterised by sudden arousal from sleep, intense fear, and usually physiological reactions such as screams, heavy perspiration, and rapid heart beat.

Somnambulism- Sleep walking. This occurs in the deepest stage of sleep.

There are exercises that may help calm children before bed or relieve stress so that they are less likely to have these issues.

Health, Safety, and IllnessSafety at home and in childcare settings Motor vehicle accidents is the leading

cause of death in young children. This is followed by cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Many accidents can be avoided:Falls BurnsPoisoningDrowning Fire arms