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Preschooler Physical Development

Preschooler Physical Development. Chapter 13. Physical Growth. The rate of growth slows slightly The average increase in height is 2 ½ to 3 inches per year Average weight gain is 4-5 pounds per year Boys tend to be slightly taller and heavier than girls during this time. Posture improves

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Preschooler Physical Development

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  1. PreschoolerPhysical Development Chapter 13

  2. Physical Growth • The rate of growth slows slightly • The average increase in height is 2 ½ to 3 inches per year • Average weight gain is 4-5 pounds per year • Boys tend to be slightly taller and heavier than girls during this time

  3. Posture improves • Bodies become straighter and slimmer with less of a protruding tummy • Balance and coordination improve

  4. Teeth It is common for preschoolers to lose their primary teeth There are 20 primary teeth in all; 32 permanent teeth Molars are the first permanent teeth to appear and act as anchors for the rest of the teeth

  5. Thumb sucking • Many children in this age range continue this behavior as a way to cope with stress and comfort themselves • Usually they will stop on their own • Concerned caregivers should speak with their dentist • Damages might occur if thumb sucking continues past the 5th birthday

  6. Motor Skills What are some gross motor skills you would expect at age 4? Age 5? Age 6? Fine and gross motor skills improve dramatically Many skills require guidance and practice Children might master one skill but not another Expect individual differences Children need lots of opportunities to develop their motor skills

  7. Fine Motor Skills Dexterity, or ease and skill in physical activity improves greatly during this time Hand-eye coordination improves as well Hand preference develops after age two, and many children continue to switch off until the last half of their fifth year About 85% of children are right handed Ambidextrous means being able to use both hands with equal skill

  8. Health and Wellness The amount of food children need is determined by their activity level and current weight 4-6 year olds do better when eating five or six small, nutritious meals than three large ones Snacks should be appealing and nutritious It is important for caregivers to model good eating habits Using food as a reward and forcing children to eat tend to lead to poor eating habits To get preschoolers interested in good nutrition, let them help prepare foods in a safe way It is important for parents to discuss nutritional choices with children so they can make good choices

  9. Nutritional Concerns • Two signs that children are meeting nutritional needs: • 1)gaining weight at an appropriate rate • 2) eating a variety of foods • Problems in nutrition for preschoolers: • Parents rely too heavily on fast food or convenience food choices • Adults set a poor example by snacking on junk foodFor children with weight problems: • Seek a doctor’s advice if you think the child is over or underweight • Work to gradually improve the child’s eating habits and activity over time

  10. Checkups & Immunizations • Most children are required to have checkups and immunizations before kindergarten What are some common diseases we receive immunizations to protect against? What healthy snacks could you offer a picky preschooler who needed more variety?

  11. Self Care Skills • Children in this age group can wash and dress themselves, brush their teeth and hair. • Caregivers should encourage this independence but remember that help is sometimes needed • Most preschoolers can dress themselves, but will need help matching clothing • Comfort, durability and economy are important factors • Children will develop specific likes and dislikes and will try to dress like their friends • Group identification=a feeling of belonging with others • Children are old enough to help with routine care, like putting clothes into the hamper and sorting clothes

  12. Sleep & Toileting By the age of four, many children no longer take naps Bedtime schedules are important and routines will help the child settle in Toileting accidents will decrease by four years It is still important to remind children to use the bathroom before activities or trips Be sure children know where the restroom is (when in a new place) A change of clothes isn’t a bad idea, either…

  13. Washing, bathing and teeth Parents should help with tooth brushing until age 5 Fluoride is a substance that strengthens the enamel of teeth to prevent decay Enamel is the hard, outer coating of teeth Fluoride is often added to drinking water to help prevent cavities. For preschoolers, there are more fun thing to do than bathe. Caregivers will need to establish a routine and try to make bath time fun

  14. Outdoor safety • What hazards can you think of involving: • Bicycles? • Traffic? • Playgrounds? • Swimming pools? • Theme parks?

  15. Like mommy • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8aprCNnecU&feature=related • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0nLMPmSyzM&feature=channel • Charlie bit me http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OBlgSz8sSM&feature=related

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