Human Growth and Development

Human Growth and Development

The child that is being observed is a little girl named Aliyah. She is 6 years of age and she is of African-American decent. She has curly black hair that comes down her back. She is somewhat larger than your average 6-year-old child. She is about 4 feet 2 inches tall and weighs about 80 pounds. I am observing her while she is doing her homework. She is studying for the state testing which will be taking place in April. She truly demonstrates her cognitive skills by her studying methods and by how well her memory is able to quickly retain the information that she is studying. Due to her early education she is able to learn new words, which depicts the finer motor skills in child development that is more often found in girls. Aliyah is excited that she only has 4 pages of homework to do; she smiles gently at her mother who is helping her. Aliyah demonstrates the child functions that relate to the theories of middle childhood that are listed below.

Middle Childhood

These years are very important during ones development. During this time, children learn to read and calculate, develop social skills to interact with other children and significant adults, and, more generally, acquire the wider cultural and social values of citizenship. Understanding how this time affects later development should help policymakers better allocate resources across childhood (and the life course) to enhance children's development and minimize their risk of negative adult outcomes.

Physical Growth

Growth slow in middle childhood, and wide differences in height and weight exist. Proper nutrition is essential for normal growth and health. The permanent teeth arrive in middle childhood. Dental heath has improved, in part because of use of sealants on chewing surfaces. Malnutrition can affect all aspects of development. Obesity, which is increasingly common among U.S. children, entails health risks. It is influenced by genetic and environmental factors and can be treated.

Concern with body image, especially among girls, may lead to eating disorders. Because of improved motor development, boys and girls in middle childhood can engage in a wide range of motor