Blume, L. B., & Zembar, M. J. (2007). Middle childhood to middle adolescence. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson [Vital Source e-reader].

Chapter 3, "Physical Development in Middle Childhood"

In this chapter, the author explains the patterns and milestones that mark physical development in middle childhood. Focus on the hallmarks of physical and brain maturation during this period, as well as phases in motor skill acquisition and the relationships between physical development and healthy lifestyles in children.

Chapter 4, "Cognitive Development in Middle Childhood"In this chapter, the author defines cognitive development, discusses various theoretical approaches to cognitive development, and outlines the cognitive changes and milestones that occur during middle childhood. Focus on the ways in which cognitive development is interconnected with physical and brain development.

Directions:

Respond to each item. Each response should be concise and between 2-3 paragraphs in length.

Use MS Word to write your responses, and submit your answers to all three questions in one Word document.

Copy and paste each question into the document, so your Instructor can see which questions you are answering.

Identify three aspects of physical development that happen during middle childhood and explain how each differs in a 6-year-old versus a 12-year-old.

Identify three aspects of cognitive development that happen during middle childhood and explain how each differs in a 6-year-old versus a 12-year-old.

Recall Bronfenbrenner's ecological theory from Week 1 (also see Chapter 2 of your course text, if necessary). Choose one specific aspect of physical development and one specific aspect of cognitive development during middle childhood.

Explain these two aspects in terms of Bronfenbrenner's theory - how, specifically, might development of these aspects be influenced by factors within the micro-, meso-, exo-, and macrosystems?