chapter 8

Question 0

changes in height and weight

Answer 0

body becomes leaner

• pace of growth slows down
• average height gain: 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 lbs per year
• average weight gain: 4-5 inches per year
• shape changes: loose baby fat, arms and legs lengthen , muscle tone improves, better posture
• factors influencing height and weight: nutrition, height, genes, activity level

Question 1

enuresis

Answer 1

bed wetting:

• about 25 percent of 4-6 year olds wet their bed
• linked to heredity
• most common with boys
• best to be nonjudgemental
• increase bladder control leads most to outgrow as they mature

Question 2

major changes in brain development

Answer 2

• increase in size
• pruning of synapses
• increased lateralization

Question 3

growth and pruning of synapses

Answer 3

• frontal cortex synaptic density is twice that of an adult
• density in other parts of the brain also pruned on various times tables
• results in decrease in decrease of gray matter

Question 4

causes of pruning

Answer 4

1. genetic heritage and specific experiences
   - active synapses remain in place , inactive ones disappear
2. maturation of cerebral cortex
   - especially frontal lobes: affects cognitive abilities, higher in cognitive functioning (i.e. memory)

Question 5

myelination

Answer 5

• neural axons become coated with a fatty sheath of myelin
• insulates and speeds transmission
• causes for disruption of myelination
• malnutrition, exposure to teratogens : has serious consequences

Question 6

Lateralization

Answer 6

brain consists of 2 hemispheres

• each 1/2 controls different functions
• specialization is ongoing throughout childhood
• responsible for handedness
• 9/10 people are right handed but some are ambidextrous (uses both with no preference)

Question 7

gross motor skills

Answer 7

skills involving the use of large muscles : climbing , riding tricycles

• determines activity level
• increases throughout early childhood
• boys more active than girls
• may be influenced by genetics

Question 8

fine motor skills

Answer 8

skills involving use of small muscles: writing, writing stage

• girls generally better than boys
• all children make huge strides in development during this period

Question 9

drawing stage

Answer 9

-age 2, scribble stage: 20 basic scribbles i.e. vertical, horizontal, etc.
-age 2-3: placement stage
age 3: shape stage: 6 basic shapes i.e. circle, square
-age 3-4: design stage: children mix 2 basic shapes into a more complex design
-4-5: pictorial stage: drawing consists of objects that adults can recognize
5-6: more realistic
* cultural experience affects drawing

Question 10

childhood injuries

Answer 10

1/4 U.S children

• injuries increase with age
• most common : motor vehicle crash; lowest injury when child seated in back seat and restrained; restrain recommended for all children over 1 year or 20 lbs in weight
• drowning is a serious cause of death, children 1-4 mostly occur in pool. ; children should be taught by age 5