Module 5: Middle and Late Childhood

Kids Playing by Cade Martin, CCBY 0

Middle and late childhood are periods of life that begin when children enter school and last until they reach adolescence. Think for a moment about children of this age that you may know. What are their lives like? What kinds of concerns do they express and with what kinds of activities are their days filled? If it were possible, would you want to return to this period of life? Why or why not? Early childhood and adolescence seem to get much more attention than middle childhood. Perhaps this is because growth patterns are slow currently, the id becomes hidden during the latent stage, according to Freud, and children spend much more time in schools, with friends, and in structured activities. It may be easy for parents to lose track of their children’s development unless they stay directly involved in these worlds. I think it is important to stop and give full attention to middle childhood to stay in touch with these children and to take notice of the varied influences on their lives in a larger world.

1. Explain differences in physical, cognitive, and psychosocial growth and development in middle-late childhood. (CLO #2)
2. Describe development changes in parent-child relations during middle-late childhood. (CLO #3)
3. Explain moral development in middle-late childhood. (CLO #3)

To achieve these objectives:

1. Read the Module 4 Introduction 
   
2. Read Chapter 6 in Developmental Psychology. (LO 1-3)
   
3. Complete the assignment and discussion forum below. (LO 1-3)
   

Module Resources and Activities