Middle Childhood

Development of Middle-aged Children

Physical Development

 - interested in their own growth
 - have much more control over their body
Height
 - boys are usually taller than girls
 - typical six-year-old is four feet tall
 - body proportions change during the school-age years
Weight
 - at six, the average child weighs 47 pounds
  - girls catch and pass boys in weight usually by the time they are 12 years old
Gross Motor Skills
- coordination is getting better
- are getting better at jumping, balancing, throwing, catching, running and sequencing foot movements
- boys have more physical strength then girls, but girls outperform boys in some motor skills like        balance, coordination, flexibility, or rhythmic movement.
 Fine-Motor Skills
- have better control of small muscles
- better hand-eye coordination
- improved finger dexterity

Health Concerns

- several chronic illnesses may surface during this age
- lack of exercise can cause problems
Hearing
- ear infections left alone can cause permanent hearing loss
- are beginning to recognize more levels of sound
Vision
- many are farsighted
- close-up vision is improving
- use glasses to correct near sightedness