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Chapter 7 Middle Childhood: Growth and Development
Children Ages 10 to 12
As children move into the next stage, even more changes are in store,
usually including the move from elementary to middle school. Children in
this age span are in fifth, sixth, and seventh grade. They are often tagged
as preadolescents or preteens. As these terms suggest, they have an
interesting and challenging blend of childlike and teen characteristics.
Physical Growth and Development
Individual variation in size and maturity becomes apparent at this
stage (Figure 7.11). Some children experience a characteristic growth
spurt leading up to puberty. Others maintain the looks and size of
children. Most show some early signs of puberty, such as increased
sweat production and odor.
Growth can be very uneven. A child’s hands or feet may grow to about
adult size before the rest of the body catches up. Girls tend to develop
ahead of boys and some tower over most of their male classmates.
Figure 7.11 Children between the ages of 10 and 12 can vary considerably in size and maturity.