U-4 DISS CHILD AND ADOLESCENT.

Topic: Sports Participation in Middle Childhood/ Puberty in Adolescence In this unit, you will learn about physical development in middle childhood and adolescence. The focus of this Discussion is on middle childhood sport participation and on puberty experiences during the adolescence stage. Please respond to the following: What is your opinion on participation in adult-organized sports (e.g., gymnastics, dance, soccer, baseball) during middle childhood – what are the pros; what are the cons? What kind of climate for learning should the coaches and parents create? What impact do you think these sports experiences have on middle childhood development? Recall your own reactions to the physical changes of puberty. Are they consistent with research findings discussed in the textbook? What are your thoughts on early-maturation vs. late-maturation during puberty – is one harder to experience than the other? What kind of impact can pubertal timing have on adolescent development? Please read the following chapters in your textbook: Infants, Children, and Adolescents Laura E. Berk. Chapter 11: “Physical Development in Middle Childhood,” except Sections 11.1.4 “Brain Development”, 11.3 “Health Education”, 11.4.6 “Shadows of our Evolutionary Past” and 11.4.7 “Physical Education”. Chapter 11 focuses on physical development in middle childhood. Body growth, motor development and potential health issues are discussed. Games, adult-organized youth sports participation and physical education during this developmental stage are explored. Chapter 14: “Physical Development in Adolescence,” except Sections 14.2.7 “Brain Development,” 14.4.3 “Injuries,” 14.4.4 “Sexuality,” 14.4.5 “Sexually Transmitted Infections,” and 14.4.6 “Adolescent Pregnancy and Parenthood”.