Early Elementary. Development During Middle Childhood

Early Elementary
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November 22, 2019
DEVELOPMENT DURING MIDDLE CHILDHOOD
Physical Development
During middle childhood, there is an evident increase in physical strength which correlates to the increase in the cross-sectional area of the muscle or in other terms, the muscle mass of the child. This is accompanied by an increase in the length and mass of the bones which is seen as increase in the child’s height. The physical development of a child is mainly dependent on his or her genetic make-up as well as his or her environment during these years (Lightfoot, Cole, & Cole, 2018).
One of the pupils in the in Red Bridge Elementary School is Katrina. In the United States, middle school children (around six years old) weighs approximately 45 pounds and they are about 45 inches tall. Height and weight are both influenced by genetic and environmental factors. In addition, an excess intake of 50 calories or more per meal can lead to an increase in weight in a span of a year and illnesses and malnutrition can dampen the growth of the child (Lightfoot, Cole, & Cole, 2018).
Katrina looks around 6-7 years old. She looks quite overweight but her height is around the normal value. Her weight can signify three (3) things: 1) She might have the same genetic make-up as either or both of her parents who can also be overweight; 2) She was able to get good nutrition such as adequate food and a balanced diet.; or 3) She is malnourished since malnutrition can also occur in overweight and obese individuals when they do not eat a healthy and a balanced diet. Katrina’s height can be attributed to her genetic make-up, wherein one or both of her parents are tall, adequate nutrition, and healthy body.
Intellectual Development
In Piaget’s Stages of Cognitive Development, middle school children are in the concrete operational stage (6-12 years old). During this time, children are able to think logically and compare and contrast objects and actions. They can incorporate descriptions through the use of concrete objects, compare different aspects of different objects, and logically explain about objects that they cannot see at the moment (Lightfoot, Cole, & C...