What are general physical characteristics of children in the primary school age?
Physical development is the most readily visible of the child development domains. Parents notice height and weight as well as the development of both fine motor and gross (large) motor skills. It’s important to remember that what we can see physically corresponds to what we can’t see which is brain development. In all
developmental domains, the brain is promoting exploration and movement but when exploration and movement occur it also stimulates brain development including both neurogenesis (growth of new brain cells) and synaptogenesis (forming new connections between brain cells). In fact at various times during the first few years of life, a baby’s brain produces so many connections that they end up with more than in an adult brain. Later through a process called pruning, synaptic connections
that are not used by the child are eliminated. Parents play an important role in all of the developmental domains and physical development is equally important. Parent’s bonding with their child develops a sense of feeling safe to explore and positive feedback encourages a child to reach out more and push harder. Parents also provide guidance and support through a process known as “scaffolding”. Providing objects to encourage a baby to reach and grasp, holding the
hands of a toddler while they take a few steps, teaching potty training, help a child with buttoning and zipping clothing, helping them learn to ride a bike and playing catch are just a few examples of how parents provide scaffolding to help children develop physical abilities. In addition to encouraging and teaching specific skills, parents should promote a healthy lifestyle for their children. This includes helping them to get adequate sleep, eat a well-balanced diet and stay
active physically. In this endeavor, the best approach for parents to take is to model the behavior as well as teach and encourage these very important health habits. Teaching safety and maintaining a safe home environment (especially in the early years) is also very important. Keeping up with regular check-ups and keeping immunizations up to date is important as well. If you are concerned about possible delays in your child’s physical development we suggest you use
the American Academy of Pediatrics: Motor Delay Tool and then discuss any concerns you have with your pediatrician. Tips for Parents Recommended Books for Parents Ages and Stages: A Parent’s Guide to Normal Childhood Development A comprehensive parent’s guide to your child’s psychological development from birth through age 10 Written in an engaging, practical style, Ages and Stages offers you the benefits of the most current research on child development, featuring helpful tips and techniques to foster your child’s maturation. Charles Schaefer and Theresa Foy DiGeronimo tell you what behaviors you can expect as your child grows and how you can help him or her to advance to the next level of development. They include numerous examples, stories, and activities you can use immediately to positively influence your child’s development. The Family Fitness Fun Book: Healthy Living for the Whole Family Your childhood memories are full of adventure and activities with friends, family, and neighbors, But in this technology-driven world, your children spend more time inside than out. If you’re trying to think of ways to make the outdoors fun again and introduce your children to the classic games you remember, The Family Fitness Fun Book is for you! It’s time to spend that precious time with your family–all while having fun and getting fit. The Family Fitness Fun Book contains activities for all ages, and groups, in all kinds of weather, making sure your Saturdays (and every day) will always be active and exciting! Bring back those fun-filled days, whether it is summer or winter, rainy or sunny! The Family Fitness Fun Book is designed to be simple and easy-to-use, featuring: · A searchable chart to assist your selection of the perfect game for your school party or family picnic Proud Parents’ Guide to Raising Athletic, Balanced, and Coordinated Kids: A Lifetime of Benefit in Just 10 Minutes a Day Winner of 34 different publishing awards, this 10-minutes-per-day comprehensive program helps children ages 0 to 6 develop coordination. Tennis pro and master coach Karen Ronney offers a step-by-step handbook with over 200 games for parents who want to jump-start their child’s fundamental skills, self-confidence, and sports potential while creating a lifestyle of family fitness. She offers an in-depth explanation of a child’s development, their learning styles, with physical and brain anatomy and growth facts, and how simple, fun activities can be the key to unlock their abilities in every area of life. Includes recent scientific and academic research, progress charts, how to incorporate purposeful play, and even helps for families with special-needs kids. Gymboree Series On Activities for Children We highly recommend this series for parents because the books provide numerous “how to do it” play activities to nurture (provide the scaffolding) child development. From babies to young children they cover cognitive, language, physical and social development. Not only will these activities stimulate development but build a strong parent and child relationship. Plus they are fun for both parents and kids. Videos on Physical Development More Articles on Physical Development Physical Developmental MilestonesInfant (0 to 18 m)Toddler (18 m - 3y)Preschooler (3y - 5y)School Age (6y - 12y)Teens (13-18) Birth to Six Months Gross (Large) Motor Skills
Fine (Small) Motor Skills
Six to 12 Months Gross (Large) Motor Skills
Fine (Small) Motor Skills
12 to 18 Months Gross (Large) Motor Skills
Fine (Small) Motor Skills
18 To 24 Months Gross (Large) Motor Skills
Fine (Small) Motor Skills
Two to Three Years Gross (Large) Motor Skills
Fine (Small) Motor Skills
Three to Four Years Gross (Large) Motor Skills
Fine (Small) Motor Skills
Four to Five Years Gross (Large) Motor Skills
Fine (Small) Motor Skills
Five to Six Years Gross (Large) Motor Skills
Fine (Small) Motor Skills
Six to Nine Years
Nine to 12 Years
12 – 15 years of age
15 – 18 years of age
What are the general physical characteristics of the child of primary schoolSchool-age children will gain between four and seven pounds each year and continue to have height increases. Increases in height will vary, and a three- to six-inch height difference in an age group is typical. Growth spurts are common in school-age children, as are periods of slow growth.
What are the physical characteristics of childhood?Early childhood is the time period when most children acquire the basic skills for locomotion, such as running, jumping, and skipping, and object control skills, such as throwing, catching, and kicking (Clark, 1994). Children continue to improve their gross motor skills as they run and jump.
What are the characteristics of school children?School-age children are highly active. They need physical activity and peer approval, and want to try more daring and adventurous behaviors. Children should be taught to play sports in appropriate, safe, supervised areas, with proper equipment and rules.
Which physical characteristic develops from the time a child is 6 11 years of age?Children between ages 6 and 10 make major gains in muscle strength and coordination. Most children within this age range develop basic motor skills, such as kicking, catching, and throwing. Gradually, children become more skilled at more complex activities, such as dancing, shooting a basketball, or playing the piano.
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