1. Physical Development in School-Age Children Physical Growth of the Body Development of Motor Skills Health Nutrition Safety

2. Physical Growth Growth from 4-6 continues at steady pace –Approximately 2 or 3 inches per year –4 to five lbs per year Larger or smaller gains are quite common Boys and girls are about the same size or only slightly taller or heavier

3. The Developing Brain One of the fastest-growing parts of the child this age is the brain. At age 3 the brain is about 75% of its adult weight. Over the next three years, it grows to around 90% of its adult weight.

4. Proportion and Posture Between 4 and 7 the body becomes straighter and slimmer. Protruding abdomen becomes more flat. Chest broadens and flattens (Both Chest and Abdomen are quite round from birth to age 3) Neck becomes longer Legs lengthen and become firmer and straighter

5. Tooth Development Beginning at 5 or 6 years, loss of baby teeth occurs at a rate of 4 teeth per year Set of 32 permanent teeth replace them (usually lost in the same order they appear) 6 year old molars are first to appear Fluoride in toothpaste and drinking water helps prevent tooth decay

6. Thumb Sucking Some 4-6 year olds continue to suck their thumb usually to comfort or to handle tension In most cases it should be ignored. Trying to force a child to quite can cause more problems than the habit itself. If sucking seems excessive check with a dentist.

7. Physical Growth: Nutrition The amount of food a child needs depends on activities, height, weight, and temperament of the child Establishing good eating habits is an importance goal and can influence the child’s nutritional habits as an adult

8. Development of Motor Skills Average Motor Skill Development Physical Fitness Participating in Sports

9. Motor Skills Large and small motor skills improve significantly They show improved dexterity (use of hands and fingers). Most 4 year olds learn to lace their shoes but cannot properly tie them until age 5. Children need lots of opportunity for skill development (give them time and space to run, jump, and climb helps with large motor skills; practicing coloring, painting, drawing, tracing, cutting helps with small)

10. Hand Preference By age 5, most children consistently use their right or left hand for most activities. Only a few people are ambidextrous or able to use both hands with equal skill.

11. Growth of Motor Skills Motor skills are refined Four Years –Gallops and hops –Laces shoes –Dresses and undresses self –Cuts on line with scissors –Jumps forward as well as in place –Throws overhand with body control

12. Growth of Motor Skills Five Years –Ties shoelaces –Draws recognizable person –Skillfully picks up very small items –Stands and balances on tiptoe for a short period and skips, alternating feet. –Buttons, snaps, zips clothes

13. Growth of Motor Skills Six Years –Throws and catches ball with more ease and accuracy –Builds block towers to shoulder height –Cuts, pastes, molds, and colors skillfully –Writes entire words

14. Motor Skills Girls excel in small motor skills and large motor skills that require balance and flexibility Many gender differences due to attitudes about girls’ sports participation

15. Changing Motor Skills

16. Physical Fitness Many school children are not physically fit Many children engage in sedentary leisure activities (e.g., TV, computer games)

17. Participating in Sports Sports help children be physically fit, teach cognitive and social skills Both boys and girls believe sports enhance self-esteem, teach skills and cooperation, and provide physical activity Coaches should be positive and have realistic expectations