My Development
Changing Bodies & Brains
In early childhood, body growth tapers off from the rapid rate of the first two years. On average, children add 2-3 inches in height and 5 pounds in weight each year.
Brain: Increases from 70% to 90% of its adult weight.
Handedness: Reflects the greater capacity of one side of the brain-- the individual’s dominant cerebral hemisphere -- to carry out skilled motor action. Most individuals are right-handed
Memory/Attention/Numeracy/Literacy: During this time there are also gains in attention, memory, numeracy, and literacy.
(Berk, 2013, p. 167-170)
Growth: My growth in height and weight was average throughout early childhood and all typical milestones were achieved.
Brain: Because of my average growth and development if can be assumed the increase in my brain size was also normal.
Handedness: I am right handed which means that language is housed in my left hemisphere with hand-control. Both of my parents are also right-handed. However, there are several tasks that I am able to do better with my left side (pirouettes in dance, I am stronger on my left side which is rare for right-handers which is probably due to my poor eye sight.
Memory/Attention/Numeracy/Literacy: During this time I learned to read and write in preschool. I began taking piano lessons when I was 3 years old and memorized piano pieces. I believe music and memorization of music showcases the growth that happens during this period.
Heredity: My parents did not have any issues of hormones or growth during childhood and I followed in their footsteps. Throughout childhood and into adolescence, I followed normal growth patterns in both height and weight.
Nutrition: Although many children are picky eaters, I was told that I was not a picky eater (and I'm still not a picky eater today). I never remember a time where I had to be convinced to eat my vegetables, and I still consider green beans to be one of my favorite foods. I believe this is in large part because of the way my family ate.
Infectious Diseases: When I was between the ages of 2-3 I had numerous ear infections (almost weekly) and had tubes put into my ears and my adenoids removed when I was 3 years old. I remember going into surgery and being scared but I don’t remember any pain after the surgery and have had no issues with ear infections since. I was immunized for all the normal things and the normal times, in large part because both of my parents were nurses and understood the importance. When I was in kindergarten (around 5) I had a mild case of the chicken pox (didn't keep me out of school), but later had them full-blown in 2nd grade (7 years old)
Childhood Injuries: I have no memorable childhood injuries other than the typical bumps and scraps of running around as a child.
Heredity: Children's size and rate of growth are related to those of their parents. The pituitary gland, growth hormone, and thyroid-stimulating hormone stimulate growth during early childhood.
Nutrition: With transition to early childhood, many children become picky eaters. Additionally, children tend to imitate the food choice of people they admire. Too much parental control limits children's opportunities to develop control.
Infectious Diseases: In well-nourished children, ordinary childhood illnesses have no effect on physical growth. But, when children are undernourished, disease interactions with malnutrition for a vicious cycle. Childhood diseases have declined dramatically during the last half-century because of immunizations
Childhood Injuries: Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of childhood morality in industrialized nations.
(Berk, 2013, p.170-173 ).
My Development
Physical Development
My Development
An explosion of new motor skills occurs in early childhood. Preschoolers continue to integrate previously acquired skills into more complex dynamic systems.
Gross Motor Skills: Balance improves and gives way to experimentation of new skills like throwing and catching, steering bicycles, and swinging on horizontal bars. At the end, these skills are performed with greater speed and endurance.
Fine Motor Skills: These skills also take a great leap as control of hands and finders improve. At this time children can put together puzzles, build with small blocks, and improve self-help skills. It is during this time that drawing and writing/printing begin.
(Berk, 2013, p. 173-175).
Influences on Physical Growth & Health
Motor Development
Gross Motor Skills: During early childhood I began to take ballet lessons which requires balance and coordination. During this time I also played games and learned to ride a bike. I believe I learned to ride a bike without training wheels somewhere around the age of 5 or 6.
Fine Motor Skills: My fine motor skills are showcased in the provided written sentence. During this time I was also taking piano lessons which requires fine motor skills in the hands and fingers.
Early Childhood
