MIDDLE CHILDHOOD

The stretch of years from age eight to early adolescence is usually an enjoyable and
relatively peaceful time for all concerned. Spontaneous behavior is
gradually channeled into more goal directed efforts as children
begin making the transition from a state of dependence to one of
greater independence. Although they are no longer young children,
they are also not yet capable adults (Allen & Marotz, 2010, 2007).
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
Changes in physical growth and development vary greatly from child to child during
this period. Girls typically experience a growth spurt (height and weight) during this period that
is significantly greater than that of boys. Research finds that some girls as young as eight or nine
begin to experience hormonal changes associated with puberty (Allen & Marotz, 2010, 2007).
While girls typically experience a more rapid growth spurt, boys tend to be more superior in
sports. Their bodies begin to go through changes where they are more superior because of their
speed, strength, and endurance.
COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT
Children are able to reason based on experience and logic than on intuition. Children in
Middle Childhood have reached Piagets stage of concrete operational thought: If I hurry and
walk the dog. I can play with my friend (Allen & Marotz, 2010, 2007). They are able to
understand abstract concepts if real objects can be seen and manipulated. Another cognitive
development during middle childhood is that they are able to think more abstract terms. Children
can remember stored information and recall long-term memories without a recall of an event or
experience.
LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
By middle childhood, childrens language skills are reaching adult levels of
sophistication. Children should be able to understand the meaning of about 10,000 words (Berk,
2013). These words should be able to form correct sentences and follow out full conversations.
Children should acquire meanings from context and definition. With language, children should
be able to understand the appropriate time and context of communication. They should be able
to master several language styles, shifting back and forth based on the occasion for example, a
more formal style when talking to teachers, a more causal style when talking to parents, and a
style that often includes slang and code words when conversing with friends (Berk, 2013).
SIGNS OF ATYPICAL DEVELOPMENT
A sign of atypical development is when a child at this age does not continue to grow at a
rate appropriate for the childs gender or age level. Genes
influence growth by controlling the bodys production of and
sensitivity to hormones. Mutations can disrupt this process leading
to deviations in physical size (Berk, 2013). Nutrition also plays a
role in childrens growth and development. If they are not receiving the proper nutrients they
may result to malnutrition. While it is common that children at this ages appetites begin to wean
it is important that their body retrieve proper nutrients.
DEVELOPMENTAL INFLUNENCES
It is important that family maintain an ongoing dialogue with children. They should be
educated on personal health, substance abuse, and sex education because these are the things that
they are approached with through their development. They should also continue to be assisted in
how to take care of their body. As children become more independent they should know about
their body and how to keep it healthy in all aspects.
References
Allen, K. E., & Marotz, L. R. (2010). Developmental Profiles: Pre-Birth through Twelve (6th
ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.
Berk, L. E. (2013). Child Development (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
Children's Medical Service. (2012, August 30). Infant Toddler Development Training Module 1,
Lesson 3. Retrieved from http://www.cms-
kids.com/providers/early_steps/training/itds/module1/lesson3_3.html
Medline Plus. (2014, May 16). Adolescent Development. Retrieved from
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002003.htm
Piper, T. (2012). Making Meaning Making Sense: Childrens Early Language Learning. San
Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education Inc.