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Chapter 7 Middle Childhood: Growth and Development
Figure 7.1 summarizes the developmental stages described by Erikson
and Piaget. In this chapter, you will learn more about the development
of children ages five to 12. This spans the years from children starting
school to the beginning of adolescence.
It is also important to remember that information about
development is based on averages. Each child’s development
actually unfolds in an individual way, and slight variations are
normal. Significant deviation in any area of developmental needs,
however, requires professional evaluation. Some children show a
developmental delay, a noticeable lag in a particular aspect of
development. It is important to identify and treat developmental delays
as early as possible before the gap widens. Children who fall behind at
this stage can often catch up fairly quickly, depending on the severity
of the issue and if their problems are addressed. Children whose
development is significantly above average in any area may also need
evaluation and support. Teachers who see classrooms of children
the same age every year are in a unique position to evaluate their
development.
Remember that development is a logical, step-by-step process. Even
if you eventually teach children who are younger or older than this age
group, understanding how development progresses through adolescence
is essential.
Figure 7.1 Erikson’s and Piaget’s Developmental Stages
Stage/Age Erikson’s
Psychosocial Theory
Piaget’s
Cognitive Theory
Infancy
(birth to 1 year)
Trust versus mistrust Sensorimotor
Toddler
(1 to 3 years)
Autonomy versus
shame and doubt
Preoperational
Early childhood
(3 to 6 years)
Initiative versus guilt
Middle childhood
(6 to 12 years)
Industry versus
inferiority
Concrete operational
Adolescence
(13 to 18 years or older)
Ego identity versus ego
diffusion
Formal operational
Young adulthood
(18 to 40 years or older)
Intimacy versus
isolation
Middle adulthood
(40 to 65 years)
Generativity versus
self-absorption
Older adulthood
(65 years and older)
Integrity versus despair