Welcome to Middle Childhood Development, the second course in the series Child Development.
Children between the ages of 6 and 12 are in the age period commonly referred to as middle childhood. These years universally mark a distinctive period between major developmental transition points. Typically, children between the ages of 5 and 7 develop new capabilities in reasoning and cognitive function and assume more individual responsibility. Upon entering elementary school and continuing through middle school to age 12, children are provided with a social structure that constrains and channels their development. Mental skills develop rapidly, and students learn better ways to describe experiences and talk about thoughts and feelings.
Prior to puberty and adolescence, children in this age group increasingly show more independence from their parents and become more future-oriented, understanding more about their place in the larger world context. Relationships take on new meaning. Students pay more attention to friendships and engage in teamwork. Peer pressure intensifies as they strive to be liked and accepted by friends, and accelerates as they approach adolescence. These are all important factors for educators to consider when planning for teaching and learning.
The course requires 10 hours of study time to complete all assignments and the reflection questions as directed. There are three written assignments including the reflection questions at the end of the course.