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MIDDLE CHILDHOOD - Coggle Diagram
MIDDLE CHILDHOOD
PHYSICAL
Growth pains are joints in this period, often described as stiffness or aches in the legs, caused by the muscles trying to adjust to a growing skeleton (Berk, 2018). In addition, all primary teeth are lost and replaced by permanent ones.
During this life stage, the body's bones lengthen and broaden (Berk, 2018). However, ligaments are not firmly attached to bones.
As the facial bones grow, the face and mouth widen to accommodate the new teeth (Berk, 2018).
Coupled with the increase in muscle strength, children are observed to have the unusual flexibility to perform unique physical activities such as handstands and cartwheels.
Physical activity and a well-balanced plentiful diet are required to cater to the higher energy levels throughout this life stage.
COGNITIVE
The prefrontal cortex develops, enabling the child to handle increasingly complicated tasks (Berk, 2018). There are improvements in attention and multitasking.
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Children are able to gain a deeper understanding of more complex words and their meanings. This new vocabulary is slowly integrated into their everyday language.
EMOTIONAL
In the middle childhood phase, there is a growing emphasis on friendships and a fear brought about by how fellow peers may perceive a child. Hence, there is an increased effort to improve one’s self-image, especially in the physical area.
Develop the ability to recognize and respond appropriately to the moods and intentions of those around them.
ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCE
- NEIGHBOURHOODS
Children in higher socioeconomic neighbourhoods have shown better physical and mental health results. These neighbourhoods will likely offer support through resources and good social networking opportunities, playing a pivotal role in a child's development.
- FAMILY
A solid family foundation is essential when a child is experiencing many emotional changes and is still figuring out the best way to express themselves (Family & Home, n.d.). Healthy communication within the home allows the child to display this skill in other areas.
THEORIES
Piaget’s theory of the concrete operational stage gives some insight into the cognitive improvements within these ages. The theory states that in this stage, children have more logical, flexible and organized ways of thinking (Berk, 2018).
Four stages in this theory clearly show a positive change in complex thinking (Berk, 2018). Conservation is focusing on several aspects of a problem and understanding how they all relate. In addition, the child can backtrack the series of steps they took and mentally return to the original starting point. Classification allows the child to perceptually classify two specific things about each other according to a less obvious category. Seriation is the ability to place items in an order, and finally, spatial reasoning describes the ability to understand theories of spaces in a more complex way.
Erikson's theory of industry versus inferiority attempts to explain certain aspects of this observation. Inferiority among children can develop when family life or education systems prior to their current level have not adequately prepared the child for school life. The children are introduced to stronger pressure from teachers and peers, which can have major negative impacts on their self-esteem.
INTER-RELATIONSHIPS
PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL
It becomes increasingly clear that the physical and emotional domains become more and more significant as the child grows. There is an emphasis on physical beauty and acceptance by peers. Fear of being neglected due to not meeting “standards” can negatively affect the child's emotional state. They may display isolated behaviours and become display insecurities.