psyc 210 developmental psychology unit 7 study guides

Key Developmental Changes

• Middle childhood spans ages 6-12 characterized by significant physical, cognitive, and social-emotional growth
• Children develop more advanced motor skills and coordination enabling them to engage in complex physical activities (sports, dancing)
• Cognitive abilities expand rapidly including improved attention span, memory, problem-solving skills, and abstract thinking
• Social awareness increases as children form deeper friendships, understand social norms, and develop a sense of self-identity
• Emotional regulation improves though children may still struggle with managing intense feelings (anger, frustration)
• Children begin to understand and adhere to moral principles and develop empathy for others
• Language skills continue to advance with expanded vocabulary, improved grammar, and the ability to engage in more sophisticated conversations
• Children become more independent and self-reliant though still require guidance and support from caregivers

Physical Growth and Motor Skills

• Growth rate slows compared to early childhood though children continue to gain height and weight steadily
• Children typically grow 2-3 inches per year and gain 4-7 pounds per year
• Muscle strength and coordination improve significantly allowing for greater agility, balance, and fine motor control
• Gross motor skills advance enabling children to run, jump, climb, and participate in organized sports (soccer, basketball)
• Fine motor skills become more refined allowing for improved handwriting, drawing, and use of tools (scissors, utensils)
• Children develop a preference for using their right or left hand (handedness)
• Physical differences between boys and girls become more apparent though both sexes follow similar growth patterns
• Children may begin to experience early signs of puberty towards the end of this stage (breast buds in girls, testicular enlargement in boys)

Cognitive Development

• According to Piaget's theory, children enter the concrete operational stage characterized by logical thinking about concrete events
• Children develop the ability to understand conservation recognizing that quantity remains the same despite changes in appearance (pouring liquid from a short, wide glass to a tall, thin glass)
• Egocentrism declines as children become better at considering others' perspectives and thoughts
• Attention span increases allowing children to focus on tasks for longer periods (30+ minutes)
• Memory improves with the use of strategies like rehearsal, organization, and elaboration
• Problem-solving skills advance as children become more systematic and logical in their approach
• Abstract thinking begins to emerge though children still rely heavily on concrete examples and experiences
• Metacognition develops as children become more aware of their own thought processes and can reflect on their learning

Social and Emotional Growth

• Self-concept becomes more complex as children incorporate feedback from others and compare themselves to peers
• Self-esteem is influenced by experiences of success, failure, and social acceptance
• Emotional regulation improves as children learn to identify and manage their feelings more effectively
  • Children develop coping strategies (deep breathing, counting to ten) to handle stress and frustration
• Empathy and perspective-taking skills increase allowing children to better understand and respond to others' emotions
• Moral reasoning advances as children internalize rules, norms, and values
  • According to Kohlberg's theory, most children are in the conventional stage focused on maintaining social order and meeting others' expectations
• Gender identity becomes more stable and children often conform to gender stereotypes and roles
• Social skills improve as children learn to cooperate, share, and resolve conflicts with peers
• Children form closer, more reciprocal friendships based on shared interests, trust, and loyalty

Family Dynamics and Peer Relationships

• Family relationships remain central though children begin to seek more independence and autonomy
• Parenting styles (authoritative, authoritarian, permissive) influence children's development and well-being
• Sibling relationships can be a source of support, rivalry, or conflict
• Peer relationships become increasingly important as children spend more time with classmates and friends
• Friendships are often based on similarity, proximity, and shared interests
  • Children may form cliques or exclusive groups based on popularity, gender, or other factors
• Peer acceptance and rejection can have significant impacts on self-esteem and social-emotional functioning
• Social comparison and competition increase as children evaluate their abilities and status relative to peers
• Children may experience peer pressure to conform to group norms and engage in certain behaviors (positive or negative)

School and Learning

• Formal schooling becomes a central part of children's lives with increased academic demands and expectations
• Children develop a sense of academic self-concept based on their perceived abilities and performance
• Motivation and engagement are influenced by factors such as interest, relevance, and sense of competence
• Learning disabilities or difficulties may become more apparent and require additional support or intervention
• Children benefit from a variety of instructional strategies (direct instruction, cooperative learning, project-based learning) tailored to their individual needs and learning styles
• Social and emotional learning (SEL) becomes an important focus as children develop skills in self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making
• Extracurricular activities (sports, clubs, music) provide opportunities for skill development, socialization, and self-expression
• Parent involvement and support in education can have positive effects on children's academic outcomes and well-being

Potential Challenges and Issues

• Bullying and victimization can occur as children navigate complex social hierarchies and power dynamics
• Mental health concerns (anxiety, depression) may emerge due to increased stress, social pressures, or developmental changes
• Behavioral problems (aggression, defiance) can interfere with learning and relationships
• Academic difficulties or learning disabilities can lead to frustration, low self-esteem, and disengagement from school
• Family stressors (divorce, financial hardship) can have negative impacts on children's well-being and development
• Substance use or experimentation may begin in late middle childhood or early adolescence
• Excessive screen time and technology use can interfere with physical activity, social interaction, and sleep
• Obesity rates have increased due to sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, and reduced physical activity

Cultural and Environmental Influences

• Cultural values, beliefs, and practices shape children's experiences and development
• Socioeconomic status (SES) can impact access to resources, opportunities, and support systems
• Family structure (nuclear, single-parent, blended) and dynamics vary across cultures and can influence children's roles and relationships
• Neighborhood and community characteristics (safety, resources, social cohesion) affect children's experiences and outcomes
• School quality and climate can vary widely and impact children's academic and social-emotional development
• Exposure to diversity and different perspectives can broaden children's understanding of the world and promote cultural competence
• Media and technology expose children to a wide range of influences and messages that can shape their attitudes, behaviors, and identity formation
• Environmental factors (pollution, noise, crowding) can have negative effects on children's physical and mental health