Preschooler Physical Development

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Preschooler Physical Development Chapter 13

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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 - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Transcript of Preschooler Physical Development

Page 1: Preschooler Physical Development

PreschoolerPhysical Development

Chapter 13

Page 2: Preschooler Physical Development

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

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• Posture improves• Bodies become straighter and slimmer

with less of a protruding tummy• Balance and coordination improve

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Teeth

It is common for preschoolers to lose their primary teethThere are 20 primary teeth in all; 32 permanent teethMolars are the first permanent teeth to appear and act as anchors for the rest of the teeth

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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

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Motor SkillsFine and gross motor skills improve dramaticallyMany skills require guidance and practiceChildren might master one skill but not anotherExpect individual differencesChildren need lots of opportunities to develop their motor skills

What are some gross motor skills you would expect at age 4? Age 5? Age 6?

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Fine Motor SkillsDexterity, or ease and skill in physical activity improves greatly during this time

Hand-eye coordination improves as wellHand preference develops after age two, and many children continue to switch off until the last half of their fifth yearAbout 85% of children are right handedAmbidextrous means being able to use both hands with equal skill

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Health and WellnessThe 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 wayIt is important for parents to discuss nutritional choices with children so they can make good choices

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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

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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?

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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

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Sleep & ToiletingBy the age of four, many children no longer take napsBedtime schedules are important and routines will help the child settle in

Toileting accidents will decrease by four yearsIt is still important to remind children to use the bathroom before activities or tripsBe sure children know where the restroom is (when in a new place)A change of clothes isn’t a bad idea, either…

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Washing, bathing and teethFor preschoolers, there are more fun thing to do than bathe.Caregivers will need to establish a routine and try to make bath time fun

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.

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Outdoor safetyWhat hazards can you think of involving: •Bicycles?•Traffic?•Playgrounds?•Swimming pools?•Theme parks?