UNIT 5 Late Childhood

(The Intermediate Schooler)

Learning Outcomes
At the end of this Module, you should be able to:
 Identify the different physical characteristics of intermediate schoolers.
 Discuss ways and practices which will aid children in successfully developing physically.
 Design a simple exercise program appropriate for intermediate school children.

INTRODUCTION
Late childhood is generally defined at ages 9 through 12. Others, may call this stage as preteens.
Physical changes during this stage is fairly unpredictable among children in this age group.
The steady and gradual changes happening in children at this stage, especially with their
increasing familiarity with school work and other possible activities provide them with a greater
opportunity to develop their motor skill functioning.

ACTIVITY

Divide the class into three groups and have them write down in bulleted form their ideas on:

 Weight and height changes in intermediate pupils.

o What are your general ideas on how tall and how do intermediate children stand and
weigh?
o What are the factors affecting their height and weight?
 Difference in physical appearance between girls and boys
o What are the differences in their body appearance?
o What are the differences in the activities they do?
 Changes in nutrition, diet and sleep of intermediate pupils
o What are the nutritional needs of intermediate pupils?
o How long do these children need to sleep and rest?

Have the children write their answers on half Manila paper or cartolina, then paste them on the
board.

ANALYSIS

1. Based on the insights that you wrote, what do you think are the general physical characteristics
of children aged 9 to 12 years?
2. What are the common physical activities these children do to help them to develop physically?
3. In what aspect do girls and boys in the late childhood stage differ?

ABSTRACTION
 Intermediate schoolers have more control over their bodies than they have when they were in
primary school. They become more active and have greater liberty to choose the hobbies or sports that
they want to get involved in.
Children in their late childhood stage always seem to be in a hurry – they get so busy with their
school work, interacting with their friends, exploring other possible activities, but this period of physical
development seems to take on a leisurely pace.
This may also be the stage when puberty may begin. Puberty is the period in which the body
undergoes physical changes and becomes capable of sexual reproduction.

Early Puberty
On the average, girls are generally as much as two (2) years ahead of boys in terms of physical
maturity, although these development may be determined by how close a child is to puberty. Puberty
may begin early. Budding breasts for girls – which is initial sign of puberty. Some girls may also start
with their menstrual period as early as 8 and some as late as 13.
Puberty’s changes start when the brain triggers the production of sex hormones. Here are some
changes that may happen to both girls and boys during early puberty.

Girls Boys
Breast o Small lumps from o May also have swelling
behind the nipple on their chest but tends
may occur, which to go away within a
sometime could be year or two.
painful but eventually
the pain goes away.
o It is normal for one
breast to develop
more slowly than the
other.
Genitals o The vulva starts in o Subtle increase in
increase a bit. testicle size.
o The vagina gets longer. o Penis and scrotum start
o The uterus gets bigger. to grow.
o Semen may be released
when he is awake or
even during sleep.
Hair Growth o Hair will start to grow in o Hair will start to grow
the armpits and pubic and become thicker.
areas. o New hair wills also grow
in the armpits and pubic
area around the
genitals.
o May start developing
chest and facial hair.
Height, Weight and Muscle Development
During the late childhood, a child’s weight on average, may be t.3 to 3.2 kilograms per year.
Weight increase was mainly due to the increase in size of skeletal and muscular systems as well as
several organs. An average of 2 ½ inches in height and an average of an inch in head circumference each
year. Children during this stage may experience growth spurts – sudden boosts in height and weight,
which are usually accompanied by increase in appetite and food intake.
Many of the bodily structures like the liver, muscles, skeletons, kidneys and face follow a normal
curve of development for both girls and boys. Other structures like the brain, intestines and other
organs and bodily systems mature at their own time, thus, affecting growth patterns.
Increase in body fats also occurs in preparation for the growth that occurs during adolescence.
The body fat increase occurs earlier in girls and is greater in quantity.
Girls appear to be “chubby” while boys tend to have more lean body mass per inch of height
than girls. These are all normal part of development. These differences in body compositions become
more significant during adolescence.

Motor skills
During this stage, movement or the muscles and bones become more coordinated. At the age of
10 or 11 years, most children will have learned to play sports like swimming, basketball, volleyball and
running. This physical skills become a source of pleasure activities, boys tend to be more nimble than
girls.
Although a significant increase in physical activity may occur in this stage, children in their late
childhood is far from physically mature. They become overwhelmed when sitting or standing too long
than when running, jumping or playing actively. This is because they need time to refine their skills so
they prefer active rather than passive movements.
From the age of 8, children show greater coordination in writing. Their fine motor skills develop
gradually which may be evidenced by the size of the letters and numbers. Font size becomes smaller and
are more even. They may even produce good quality crafts or have greater control in playing
instruments like the piano or guitar. In this skills, girls usually surpass the boys.

Insecurities
At this stage, children may become very concerned about their physical appearance. Girls
especially, may become concerned about their weight and decide to eat less. Boys may become aware
of their stature and muscle size and strength.
Since this stage can bring about insecurities, parents and teachers must be very conscious about
their dealings with these children. Appropriate activities must be designed so that children will be
guided into their direction. Children must be given opportunities to engage themselves in worthwhile
activities that:
o Promote healthy growth
o Give them a feeling of accomplishment, and
o Reduce the risk of certain disease.

Implications to child-care, education and parenting

During this stage, children are more physically active however, they still have a lot of physical
maturity to undergo. Here are some points to consider for health-care providers, teachers and parents.
o Provide ample opportunities at home and in school for physical exercise and sports.
o Encourage children to participate in varied worthwhile activities until they are able to
discover the ones they are interested in.
o Develop a string emotional attachment with your children so as to address any
insecurities and social concerns.
o Since children in this stage have more control over their eating habits, provide them
with healthier food choices.