Late Childhood

(The
Intermediate Schooler)

-Heidi Grace L. Borabo,PhD

 Physical Development of the
Intermediate schoolers
*Late childhood is generally defined as ages 9-12 and others may call this
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.

*Increasing familiarity with school work and other possible activities to

develop their motor skills functioning.
 Physical Development of the
Intermidiate schoolers
• 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.
 Early Puberty
• On the average, girls are generally as much as two (2) years
ahead of boys in terms of p hysical maturity, although these
developments may be determined by how close a child is to
puberty.

• Initial sign of puberty.

• 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
*Small lumps from behind the *May also have swelling in
nipple may occur, which sometime their chest but tends to go
Breast could be painful but eventually, the away within a year or two
pain goes away.
It is normal for one breast to
develop more slowly than the
other.
*The vulva starts in increase a *Subtle increase in tentacle size
bit. *Penis and scrotum start to grow
Genitals *The vagina gets longer *Semen may be released when he
is awake or even during sleep.
*The uterus gets bigger
*Hair will start to grow in the *Hair will start to grow and become
armpits and pubic areas. thicker.
Hair *New hair will also grow around
the genitals
 Height, Weight, and Muscle
Development
*During late childhood, a child’s weight on average, may be 2.3 to 3.2
kilograms per year.

*Children during this stage may experience growth spurts.

 Height, Weight, and Muscle
Development
*Many of the bodily structures like the liver,
muscles, skeletons, kidneys and face may 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.
 Height, Weight, and Muscle
Development
*Increase in body fats

*Girls appear to be chubby and

boys tend to have more lean body
 Motor Skills
* Movements or muscles and bones
became more coordinated.

* At the age of 10 or 11 years, most children will have

learned to play sports
 Motor Skills
* Children in their late childhood is far from physically
mature.
* Children become overwhelmed when sitting
or standing too long than when running, jumping
or playing actively.
 Motor Skills
* From the age of 8, children show greater
coordination in writing.

* Children may produce good quality crafts

or have greater control in playing
instruments like piano or guitar.
 Insecurities
* Children may become very concerned
about their physical appearance.

* Girls become more concerned about their

weight and decide to eat less.
 Insecurities
* Boys may become aware of their stature and muscle size
and strength.
 Insecurites
• Parents and teachers must be very conscious about their
dealings with children that have insecurities
 Insecurities
• Children must be given opportunities to engage
themselves in worthwile activities that:
-promote healthy growth
-give them a feeling of accomplishment
-reduce the risk of certain diseases.
 Implications to child-care,
education and parenting
• During this stage, are more physically active. Thus, they
still have a lot of physical maturity to undergo.
 Implications to child-care,
education and parenting
• Here are some points to consider for health-care
providers, teachers and parents:
-Provide ample opportunities at home and in
school for physical
exercises and sports.
 Implications to child-care,
education and parenting
-Encourage children to participate in varied
worthwhile activities
until they are able to discover the ones they are
interested in
 Implications to child-care,
education and parenting
-Develop a strong emotional attachment with
your children so as to
address any insecurities and social concerns.
 Implications to child-care,
education and parenting
-Since children in this stage have more
control over their
eating habits, provide them with healthier
food choices.