Lesson 4: Early Childhood Flashcards
How much do children typically grow each year between ages 2 and 6?
About 3 inches in height and 4-5 pounds in weight per year.
By what age do children’s body proportions begin to resemble those of adults?
By age 6.
Why might parents be surprised by reduced appetites during early childhood?
Because growth slows, reducing caloric needs.
How many calories do children aged 2-3 typically need daily?
Between 1,000 to 1,400 calories.
What nutritional issues are common in early childhood?
Poor eating habits, preference for unhealthy foods, and resistance to new foods.
By what age does the brain reach 95% of its adult weight?
By age 6.
What role does the prefrontal cortex play in development?
It helps with planning, emotional control, and attention.
What is the corpus callosum, and why is it important?
A dense band of fibers connecting brain hemispheres, facilitating coordination between tasks.
How does myelination contribute to brain function?
It speeds up neural communication, enhancing cognitive and motor skills.
What is neuroplasticity?
The brain’s ability to reorganize and adapt to damage or new experiences.
What are gross motor skills?
Skills involving large muscles, like running and jumping.
At what age can most children pedal a tricycle?
By age 3.
What are fine motor skills?
Skills involving precise movements, like using scissors or drawing.
How do cultural differences influence children’s drawings?
Western children often draw larger figures with more detail, while rural children’s drawings are smaller and simpler.
What is the typical progression of children’s art from ages 2 to 5?
Scribbles at age 2, shapes at age 3, and recognizable objects by age 5.
At what age are most children ready for toilet training?
Between 24-36 months.
What factors indicate toilet training readiness?
Interest in the toilet, staying dry for 2+ hours, and following instructions.
What is enuresis?
Repeated bedwetting or urination in inappropriate places.
What is encopresis?
Repeated passage of feces in inappropriate places.
What is a common challenge with sleep during early childhood?
Nighttime fears and resistance to bedtime routines.
How can caregivers support healthy sleep habits?
By maintaining consistent bedtime routines.
How many hours of sleep do 2-year-olds typically need?
15-16 hours per day.
What percentage of 5-year-olds experience enuresis?
About 5-10%.
What is the recommended sleep duration for 6-year-olds?
7-8 hours per day.
What physical signs of sexual development are present in infancy?
Boys and girls can experience erections and vaginal lubrication.
Why is adequate sleep critical for children in early childhood?
It supports physical growth and cognitive development.
What role does curiosity play in early childhood sexual development?
Children often explore their own and others’ bodies out of natural curiosity.
How should parents address early self-stimulation in children?
By calmly teaching about appropriate times and places.
How can cultural norms influence attitudes about childhood sexuality?
They shape parental reactions and guidance on bodily exploration.
What is the key to healthy sexual development in early childhood?
Open communication and education without inducing guilt.
What is the “just right” phenomenon?
A preference for routines and specific food arrangements in early childhood.
What foods contribute to excess calories in children’s diets?
Soda, desserts, and pizza.
Why should caregivers limit snacks between meals?
To encourage appetite for balanced meals.
How does mealtime stress affect children’s eating habits?
It can create negative associations with eating.
Why is bribing children to eat certain foods discouraged?
It reinforces the idea that some foods are less desirable than others.
What stage of Piaget’s theory applies to early childhood?
The Preoperational Stage.
What is conservation in Piaget’s theory?
Understanding that quantity remains the same despite changes in shape or arrangement.
What is egocentrism?
The inability to see things from another person’s perspective.
What is animism?
Attributing life-like qualities to inanimate objects.
How does pretend play aid cognitive development?
It helps children solidify and explore new concepts.
What is the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)?
The range of tasks a child can perform with guidance but not independently.
What is scaffolding?
Temporary support provided to help a child learn a new skill.
How does private speech benefit children?
It helps them solve problems and organize thoughts.
Why is language critical in Vygotsky’s theory?
It is a primary tool for thought and learning.
What is Erikson’s stage for early childhood?
Initiative vs. Guilt.
How does Vygotsky’s view of learning differ from Piaget’s?
Vygotsky emphasized the importance of social interactions, while Piaget focused on individual discovery.
How can caregivers encourage initiative in children?
By praising their efforts and avoiding harsh criticism.
What is self-concept?
A child’s description of themselves based on various traits.
How do young children’s self-evaluations tend to be?
Overly positive due to limited social comparisons.
What is delayed gratification?
The ability to wait for a larger reward by forgoing immediate rewards.
What is gender identity?
A personal sense of being male, female, or somewhere along the gender spectrum.
What are gender roles?
Societal expectations for behaviors and traits based on gender.
How do parents influence gender socialization?
Through behaviors, toys, and tasks assigned to children.
What is the impact of gender stereotypes in education?
They can limit children’s perceived abilities and choices.
How do peer interactions reinforce gender roles?
Through play and feedback on what behaviors are acceptable.
What are the core features of ASD?
Deficits in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors.
What does the term “spectrum” indicate in ASD?
A wide range of symptom severity and manifestations.
What are common misconceptions about autism?
That it is caused by vaccines or always includes intellectual disability.
How do genetics contribute to autism?
Concordance rates are higher in identical twins, suggesting a strong genetic link.
Why is early diagnosis important in ASD?
It allows for early intervention, improving long-term outcomes.
