Later childhood refers to the period beginning with the child’s entrance to the primary school at the age of six or so, and ending with the appearance of physical changes at puberty. Thus, the later childhood period extends from six year of age to twelve years. The main characteristics of development during this stage are as follows:
1. Slow but Steady Growth
Whereas the infancy and early childhood are the periods of rapid growth and development, the stage of later-childhood is characterised as the period of slow, steady and uniform growth. Development rate, although continuous and uniform, is very slow at this stage.
The average height of the child at twelve is about 58 inches and he weighs between 95 and 100 pounds. There is a tendency to grow slim but tall. Sex differences also influence the physical growth at this stage. For example, on the average, a girl grows later than a boy. Maturity is reached about two years earlier among girls than boys. Moreover, bones become harder; the milk-teeth are replaced by permanent teeth and resistance to disease increases.
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2. Motor Development
In addition to this, muscles become stronger and the development of motor skills becomes more specific. The child gains better control over his muscles and there is a better coordination and integration in his motor activities.
There is a marked increase in manipulation and speed, and the child possesses greater strength and endurance. The child moves about in an atmosphere of freedom and he wants to do and manipulate many things. He likes to engage himself in robust physical games and playful activities. Investigations of Metheny have shown that among measures of motor development there is tendency for the stronger to be taller, faster, and healthier than the weaker child.
3. Years of Healthy Growth
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These are the years of healthy growth. At the age of 9 or 10, children engage themselves in various types of outdoor games such as swimming and skating, hockey and cricket etc. The seeds of early peer-group are shown.
Educational implications
1. Parents to take proper care of food. For proper physical develop- ment, the parents should take proper care of food and child’s personal hygiene. They should see that the child is physically healthy in all respects. At school, provision should be made for indoor and outdoor games during and after school hours.
2. Physical and practical activities. Emphasis should be placed on physical and practical activities. Dignity of labour should also be emphasised.
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3. Good and healthy habits. Good and healthy habits should be developed in children. The virtues of moderation and a disciplined life should be impressed upon children.
4. Self-expression. The children must be allowed the fullest possible self- expression through various types of co-curricular activities. Games and sports should also be provided for their physical and social development.
5. Sympathetic atmosphere. Sympathetic and affection- ate type of atmosphere should be provided at home as well as in the school, so that the child develops into a well-balanced personality.