Chapter 7 - Physical and cognitive development in early childhood. Parents and educators who clearly understand how young children develop can play an active role in creating programs that foster their natural interest in learning, rather than stifl ing it. In this chapter, we will explore the physical, cognitive, and language changes that typically occur as the toddler develops into the preschooler, and then examine different approaches to early childhood education. | Chapter 7: Physical and Cognitive Development In Early Childhood ©2011 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Body Growth and Change Height and Weight: Average growth is inches and 5 to 7 pounds per year during early childhood Growth patterns vary individually Two most important contributors to height differences: ethnic origin and nutrition ©2011 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Body Growth and Change The Brain Brain growth slows during early childhood Brain reaches 95% of adult volume by 6 years Changes in child’s brain structure Increased myelination Rapid, distinct spurts of growth especially in the frontal lobes ©2011 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Motor Development Gross motor skills: Simple movements at age 3 More adventurous at age 4 Hair-raising risks at age 5 Fine motor skills: Still clumsy at 3 years Improved fine motor coordination at 4 years Body coordination by 5 years ©2011 The McGraw-Hill . | Chapter 7: Physical and Cognitive Development In Early Childhood ©2011 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Body Growth and Change Height and Weight: Average growth is inches and 5 to 7 pounds per year during early childhood Growth patterns vary individually Two most important contributors to height differences: ethnic origin and nutrition ©2011 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Body Growth and Change The Brain Brain growth slows during early childhood Brain reaches 95% of adult volume by 6 years Changes in child’s brain structure Increased myelination Rapid, distinct spurts of growth especially in the frontal lobes ©2011 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Motor Development Gross motor skills: Simple movements at age 3 More adventurous at age 4 Hair-raising risks at age 5 Fine motor skills: Still clumsy at 3 years Improved fine motor coordination at 4 years Body coordination by 5 years ©2011 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Sleep Should sleep 11-13 hours each night without interruption Can experience narcolepsy, insomnia, and nightmares ©2011 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Nutrition and Exercise Overweight Young Children Serious health problems in early childhood Strongly influenced by caregivers’ behavior 11% of 2-19 year-olds are obese, 10% overweight, and 38% at risk of being overweight . has second highest rate of childhood obesity Exercise should be a daily occurrence ©2011 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Nutrition and Exercise Malnutrition in Young Children from Low-Income Families 11 million preschool children are experiencing malnutrition Biggest problem is iron deficiency anemia ©2011 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Illness and Death The United States Leading causes of death in . children are: Motor vehicle accidents Cancer Cardiovascular disease Exposure to parental .
