Lesson 4: Early Childhood

Question 1

How much do children typically grow each year between ages 2 and 6?

Answer 1

About 3 inches in height and 4-5 pounds in weight per year.

Question 2

By what age do children’s body proportions begin to resemble those of adults?

Answer 2

By age 6.

Question 3

Why might parents be surprised by reduced appetites during early childhood?

Answer 3

Because growth slows, reducing caloric needs.

Question 4

How many calories do children aged 2-3 typically need daily?

Answer 4

Between 1,000 to 1,400 calories.

Question 5

What nutritional issues are common in early childhood?

Answer 5

Poor eating habits, preference for unhealthy foods, and resistance to new foods.

Question 6

By what age does the brain reach 95% of its adult weight?

Answer 6

By age 6.

Question 7

What role does the prefrontal cortex play in development?

Answer 7

It helps with planning, emotional control, and attention.

Question 8

What is the corpus callosum, and why is it important?

Answer 8

A dense band of fibers connecting brain hemispheres, facilitating coordination between tasks.

Question 9

How does myelination contribute to brain function?

Answer 9

It speeds up neural communication, enhancing cognitive and motor skills.

Question 10

What is neuroplasticity?

Answer 10

The brain’s ability to reorganize and adapt to damage or new experiences.

Question 11

What are gross motor skills?

Answer 11

Skills involving large muscles, like running and jumping.

Question 12

At what age can most children pedal a tricycle?

Answer 12

By age 3.

Question 13

What are fine motor skills?

Answer 13

Skills involving precise movements, like using scissors or drawing.

Question 14

How do cultural differences influence children’s drawings?

Answer 14

Western children often draw larger figures with more detail, while rural children’s drawings are smaller and simpler.

Question 15

What is the typical progression of children’s art from ages 2 to 5?

Answer 15

Scribbles at age 2, shapes at age 3, and recognizable objects by age 5.

Question 16

At what age are most children ready for toilet training?

Answer 16

Between 24-36 months.

Question 17

What factors indicate toilet training readiness?

Answer 17

Interest in the toilet, staying dry for 2+ hours, and following instructions.

Question 18

What is enuresis?

Answer 18

Repeated bedwetting or urination in inappropriate places.

Question 19

What is encopresis?

Answer 19

Repeated passage of feces in inappropriate places.

Question 20

What is a common challenge with sleep during early childhood?

Answer 20

Nighttime fears and resistance to bedtime routines.

Question 20

How can caregivers support healthy sleep habits?

Answer 20

By maintaining consistent bedtime routines.

Question 21

How many hours of sleep do 2-year-olds typically need?

Answer 21

15-16 hours per day.

Question 21

What percentage of 5-year-olds experience enuresis?

Answer 21

About 5-10%.

Question 22

What is the recommended sleep duration for 6-year-olds?

Answer 22

7-8 hours per day.

Question 23

What physical signs of sexual development are present in infancy?

Answer 23

Boys and girls can experience erections and vaginal lubrication.

Question 23

Why is adequate sleep critical for children in early childhood?

Answer 23

It supports physical growth and cognitive development.

Question 24

What role does curiosity play in early childhood sexual development?

Answer 24

Children often explore their own and others’ bodies out of natural curiosity.

Question 24

How should parents address early self-stimulation in children?

Answer 24

By calmly teaching about appropriate times and places.

Question 25

How can cultural norms influence attitudes about childhood sexuality?

Answer 25

They shape parental reactions and guidance on bodily exploration.

Question 26

What is the key to healthy sexual development in early childhood?

Answer 26

Open communication and education without inducing guilt.

Question 27

What is the “just right” phenomenon?

Answer 27

A preference for routines and specific food arrangements in early childhood.

Question 28

What foods contribute to excess calories in children’s diets?

Answer 28

Soda, desserts, and pizza.

Question 29

Why should caregivers limit snacks between meals?

Answer 29

To encourage appetite for balanced meals.

Question 30

How does mealtime stress affect children’s eating habits?

Answer 30

It can create negative associations with eating.

Question 31

Why is bribing children to eat certain foods discouraged?

Answer 31

It reinforces the idea that some foods are less desirable than others.

Question 32

What stage of Piaget’s theory applies to early childhood?

Answer 32

The Preoperational Stage.

Question 33

What is conservation in Piaget’s theory?

Answer 33

Understanding that quantity remains the same despite changes in shape or arrangement.

Question 33

What is egocentrism?

Answer 33

The inability to see things from another person’s perspective.

Question 34

What is animism?

Answer 34

Attributing life-like qualities to inanimate objects.

Question 34

How does pretend play aid cognitive development?

Answer 34

It helps children solidify and explore new concepts.

Question 35

What is the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)?

Answer 35

The range of tasks a child can perform with guidance but not independently.

Question 36

What is scaffolding?

Answer 36

Temporary support provided to help a child learn a new skill.

Question 37

How does private speech benefit children?

Answer 37

It helps them solve problems and organize thoughts.

Question 38

Why is language critical in Vygotsky’s theory?

Answer 38

It is a primary tool for thought and learning.

Question 38

What is Erikson’s stage for early childhood?

Answer 38

Initiative vs. Guilt.

Question 38

How does Vygotsky’s view of learning differ from Piaget’s?

Answer 38

Vygotsky emphasized the importance of social interactions, while Piaget focused on individual discovery.

Question 39

How can caregivers encourage initiative in children?

Answer 39

By praising their efforts and avoiding harsh criticism.

Question 40

What is self-concept?

Answer 40

A child’s description of themselves based on various traits.

Question 41

How do young children’s self-evaluations tend to be?

Answer 41

Overly positive due to limited social comparisons.

Question 42

What is delayed gratification?

Answer 42

The ability to wait for a larger reward by forgoing immediate rewards.

Question 43

What is gender identity?

Answer 43

A personal sense of being male, female, or somewhere along the gender spectrum.

Question 44

What are gender roles?

Answer 44

Societal expectations for behaviors and traits based on gender.

Question 45

How do parents influence gender socialization?

Answer 45

Through behaviors, toys, and tasks assigned to children.

Question 46

What is the impact of gender stereotypes in education?

Answer 46

They can limit children’s perceived abilities and choices.

Question 47

How do peer interactions reinforce gender roles?

Answer 47

Through play and feedback on what behaviors are acceptable.

Question 48

What are the core features of ASD?

Answer 48

Deficits in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors.

Question 49

What does the term “spectrum” indicate in ASD?

Answer 49

A wide range of symptom severity and manifestations.

Question 50

What are common misconceptions about autism?

Answer 50

That it is caused by vaccines or always includes intellectual disability.

Question 51

How do genetics contribute to autism?

Answer 51

Concordance rates are higher in identical twins, suggesting a strong genetic link.

Question 52

Why is early diagnosis important in ASD?

Answer 52

It allows for early intervention, improving long-term outcomes.