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5.1: Development

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    278309
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    Age Groups and Physical Development Overview

    5-7 Years Old

    Physical Growth: During this age, children experience steady growth in height and weight. By age 6, the average child weighs about 45 pounds and stands approximately 3.5 feet tall. Growth spurts typically occur, leading to increased energy and activity levels.

    Motor Skills: Fine motor skills improve significantly, allowing for better control of small movements, such as writing and using scissors. Gross motor skills also develop, enabling children to run, jump, and engage in organized sports.

    Health & Nutrition: At this stage, children require a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, and dairy. The USDA recommends that children ages 4-8 consume about 1,200-1,800 calories daily, depending on activity levels (USDA, 2020).

    Example: Encouraging participation in physical activities like soccer or dance helps enhance coordination and promotes cardiovascular health.

    Standards and Expectations: Adherence to health, safety, and nutrition guidelines is critical. The National Health Education Standards (NHES) emphasizes the importance of personal health practices and the role of nutrition in health (CDC, 2020).

    7-9 Years Old

    Physical Growth: Children in this age group continue to grow steadily, typically gaining about 5 pounds per year and growing about 2-3 inches annually. Their bodies become more proportionate as they approach middle childhood.

    Motor Skills: Enhanced gross motor skills allow for greater participation in sports and physical activities, while fine motor skills enable children to write more legibly and perform tasks like tying shoelaces.

    Health & Nutrition: A well-balanced diet remains essential. Children should receive adequate protein, calcium, and iron to support growth. The recommended daily caloric intake is approximately 1,400-2,000 calories, depending on activity levels (USDA, 2020).

    Example: Schools should offer physical education programs that include a variety of activities, encouraging students to find sports they enjoy.

    Standards and Expectations: Title 22 regulations outline the requirements for health and safety in child care facilities, emphasizing nutrition and physical activity as components of health education (California Department of Social Services, 2020).

    9-11 Years Old

    Physical Growth: This age group often experiences a pre-adolescent growth spurt. Children may gain up to 10 pounds and grow 2-3 inches during this period, with boys typically growing faster than girls.

    Motor Skills: Fine and gross motor skills are well-developed, allowing for complex physical activities. Children can participate in team sports, dance, and other organized activities, fostering social skills and teamwork.

    Health & Nutrition: Adequate hydration and balanced nutrition are crucial, particularly as children engage in more physical activities. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins supports healthy growth and energy levels (USDA, 2020).

    Example: Introducing nutrition education in schools helps children make informed choices about their diets, contributing to lifelong healthy habits.

    Standards and Expectations: The National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) recommends that children engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily (NASPE, 2015).

    Puberty Age (Up to 12 Years)

    Physical Growth: The onset of puberty typically occurs between ages 9 and 12 for girls and 10 and 13 for boys. This stage is marked by significant physical changes, including rapid height and weight gain, and the development of secondary sexual characteristics.

    Motor Skills: Coordination and strength increase, enabling more advanced sports skills and physical challenges. Puberty often leads to a greater interest in competitive sports and physical activities.

    Health & Nutrition: Nutritional needs change dramatically during puberty. Increased caloric intake is essential to support growth spurts, with a focus on calcium, protein, and iron. Adolescents should consume around 1,800-2,200 calories daily, depending on their activity levels (USDA, 2020).

    Example: Schools can support physical development by offering a variety of sports and physical activities that cater to diverse interests, helping students to stay active.

    Standards and Expectations: Compliance with health, safety, and nutrition standards is vital. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) promotes guidelines for school health programs, focusing on physical activity and nutrition education as essential components (CDC, 2020).


    This page titled 5.1: Development is shared under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Kerry Diaz & Tenessa Sanchez.