Middle Childhood

ECE 497: Child Development Capstone

Physical Development
Children of this age group are
rather independent. They are
able to dress themselves and
tie their own shoes. Daily
routines require little parental
aid (Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, n.d.).

Language Development
As children grow through this
stage, they become independent
from their parents and focus more
on their relationships with
friends. There is a better
understanding of their place in
the world and discuss the future.
(Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, n.d.).

Social-Emotional Development
At this stage, children want to be involved in
teamwork and group activities with friends.
They want to liked and accepted by their
friends, so a lot of the times the children will
start to act/dress like their friends (Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, n.d).

Social Factor:
Children as young as first grade can
show emotional intelligence that
enables them to process and adapt
to emotional information. They are
in-tune with the emotions of others
and want to help where it is needed
(Berk, 2013).

Amanda Monteiro

Cognitive Development
A childs thinking progresses
furthers in this stage with a
better understanding of thoughts
and feelings. Their thoughts have
moved away from themselves and
more concerned with others
feelings (Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, n.d.).

Moral Reasoning/Self-Regulation Development

By the age of eight years old, young children
begin to identify the difference between feeling
an emotion and expressing it. They are able to
internalize their emotions when alone, but then
fully express them when communicating with
others (Berk, 2013).

Cultural Factor:
Chinese standards teach children
the value of self-restraint and
compliance with social standards.
This causes for fears of failure and
adult criticism that are stronger
than in the U.S. or Australia (Berk,
2013)

Atypical Behavior:

One sign that may signal atypical development during middle childhood is
obesity. This includes increasing weight gain, sluggish behavior, and causes poor
thinking. The CDC (n.d.) recommends to [Make] sure your child has 1 hour or
more of physical activity each day. Another atypical development of children
in middle childhood is low self-esteem. This age group cares deeply about the
relationships with friends, but when a child is being bullied, this can lower the
his/her self-esteem and create serious emotional issues for the child being
bullied (Berk, 2013).

Family Strategies:
There are a few strategies that families can use to influence their childrens
learning and development during this middle childhood is to give them options
of play instead of being in front of the screen. The CDC (n.d.) suggests to,
Limit screen time for your child to no more than 1 to 2 hours per day. Spend
family time together cooking meals, playing outside, and going for family walks
to better relationships and development. Children will grow closer to their
parents and they will live an active and happier lifestyle.

Resources:
Berk, L. E. (2013). Child
development. Boston: Pearson
Education.
Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (n.d.). Middle Childhood
(6-8 years of age). Retrieved from:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childde
velopment/positiveparenting/middle.
html