Chapter 8: physical development and health in early childhood (3-6 years)

Question 1

weight and height (4)

Answer 1

• growth slows down a bit and is more stable
• loss of fat and changing proportions
• muscular growth progresses
• cartilage continues to turn to bone

Question 2

brain (4)

Answer 2

• rapid growth in size
• continuing myelination of neurons and specialization
• frontal areas have most rapid growth
• plasticity

Question 3

teeth (3)

Answer 3

• 20 primary teeth by the age of 3 years
• adult teeth start around 6 years
• tooth fairy

Question 4

sleep patterns (3) and disturbances (3)

Answer 4

1. sleep decreases, napping eliminated, bedtime struggles
2. nightmares/night terrors, sleepwalking, bedwetting

Question 5

what happens with gross motor skills?

Answer 5

they improve: run, skip, hop, throw, playground, sports (freeplay is important)

Question 6

what happens with fine motor skills?

Answer 6

shoelaces, scissors, pour, eat, toilet, dress, drawings (multi-shape designs) + handedness is established at around 3 years

Question 7

what happens with physical activity?

Answer 7

begins to decline after 2-3 years

Question 8

gender differences in motor skills

Answer 8

muscular, active, running, throwing vs balancing, hopping, skipping, fine motor skill

Question 9

challenges and strengths of left handedness

Answer 9

• health: high blood pressure, epilepsy + language based problems
• math, musical/artistic, athletic

Question 10

nutrition (3)

Answer 10

picky eaters, generation XL, parents need to be good role models

Question 11

obesity linked to (7)

Answer 11

genetics, regional differences, socio-economic status, culture, events, nutrition, exercise

Question 12

how to control injury areas? (6)

Answer 12

childproof house, childproof yard, car safety, protective gear, education, supervision