Physical Development
During the middle school years, students are growing and developing at a rate slower than that of early childhood. The child's physical development is impacted by numerous variables including gender, ethnic origin, genetics, nutrition, and environment. It has been found, however that even with the same basic developmental patterns, children will mature at different times. Physical changes during middle childhood include:
- Children develop a leaner, more athletic appearance
- Males and females have similary body types until they enter puberty
- During puberty, horomonal changes affect the child's physical appearance as evidenced in their skin (acne), hair, and sexual organs
- Children become more awkward and clumsy as their height and weights change quickly
- They will show uneven development in skills like agility, balance, strength, and flexibility
- After puberty, secondary sexual characteristics develop (female development of breasts and curves; male development of broader shoulders and deeper voices)
- Skeletal bones and muscles broaden and lengthen causing growth pains
- Females physically mature faster than boys, often making them taller than their male counterparts
- Periods of extreme restlessness (energy spurts)
- The need for more rest (fatigue) because their bodies use so much energy for growing
- Increased nutritional demands
- Agressive behaviors begin - boys tend to become more physical, girls become more verbal
- Children appear more physically mature than they are cognitively or emotionally
- Cartilage in skeletal areas (tailbone) hardens