Question

Compare and contrast the physical, cognitive, social, and culture aspects odevelopment during early childhood and middle childhood

Answer 1

Early childhood:(2 to 7 years)

• Transition of child from total dependency to an ever increasing independence.
• Child is able to use word combination by the age of two and rapid translation by the age of four.
• Develop trouble with cause and effect and quantitative concepts.
• Period of symbolic thoughts.
• Develop close relationship with parents and teachers.
• Develop a sense of morality and obey rules to avoid punishments.
• Growth rate is slow as compared to the growth in infancy. Body proportions change markedly. Muscles become longer, stronger and heavier. Average annual increase in height is 3 inches and average increase in weight is 3 - 5 lbs.
• Specific crisis is between initiative and guilt. If a child passes it successfully, it leads to internalization of values and social sanctions.

Middle childhood:( 7 to 11 years)

• These are the elementary school years.
• Rate of physical growth is slowed down, but development and gradual improvement in coordination can be noticed. Average annual increase in height is 2 to 3 inches and the average annual weight increase is 3- 5 lbs.
• Child's attention span increases and perception becomes more mature.
• Increased ego control over basic drives. Behaviours like sympathy , modesty , cleanliness, cooperation and willingness to share develop.
• Improvement in logical thinking and social interactions.
• Develop strong peer friendships but has only few friends of the opposite sex.