Middle Childhood 5 –10 Years MIDDLE CHILDHOOD • 5–10 YEARS MIDDLE CHILDHOOD
Middle Childhood 5 –10 Years MIDDLE CHILDHOOD • 5–10 YEARS MIDDLE CHILDHOOD iddle childhood, ages 5 to 10, is meaning of competition and teamwork. They may characterized by a slow, steady rate lack the cognitive skills to grasp strategies, make of physical growth. However, cogni- rapid decisions, and visualize spatial relationships. tive, emotional, and social develop- Like the developmental milestones of infancy, Mment occur at a tremendous rate. To achieve such as rolling over, sitting up, crawling, and walk- optimal growth and development, children need to ing, most of the fundamental motor skills (e.g., run- eat a variety of healthy foods and participate in ning, galloping, jumping, hopping, skipping, physical activity. Physical activity can throwing, catching, striking, kicking) required for • Give children a feeling of accomplishment. physical activity are acquired in the same sequence. Motor skill acquisition appears to be an innate • Reduce the risk of certain diseases (e.g., coronary process, independent of the child’s sex, age, size, heart disease, hypertension, colon cancer, dia- weight, strength, abilities, and level of physical betes mellitus), if children continue to be active maturity. As with other developmental milestones, during adulthood. the rate at which children master motor skills varies • Promote mental health. considerably. As children grow and develop, their motor Although children can acquire and refine fun- skills increase, giving them an opportunity to par- damental motor skills faster by early instruction MIDDLE CHILDHOOD • 5–10 YEARS ticipate in a variety of physical activities. Children and practice, they are unlikely to do so until they may try different physical activities and establish an are developmentally ready.
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