“Children in middle childhood go through tremendous changes in the growth and development of their brain” (Paris et al. 238).
The given line can be viewed as the most important sentence of the chapter for me. First of all, it describes the period of middle childhood and introduces the idea that it is characterized by significant changes. A child undergoes significant alterations, which means the period is critical for the future life of an individual. Second, the sentence explains that alterations impact both the body of a child and his/her brain. It means that along with the evolution of muscles, systems, and parts of the body, a young person acquires new thinking patterns that will be critical in the future.
“During middle and late childhood children make strides in several areas of cognitive function including the capacity of working memory, their ability to pay attention, and their use of memory strategies” (Paris et al. 276).
I consider this sentence the critical line of the whole chapter because of several reasons. First, it shows that the periods are vital for the development of children’s cognitive abilities as they develop their memory, the ability to focus, and memorize things. These aspects are central to the successful transition to adulthood and future socialization. Second, the sentence outlines the essential elements of the cognitive function of a child that should be given attention to ensure a child evolves appropriately, and there is no need for additional interventions. That is why I view the line as the most important one in the chapter.
“That exaggerated sense of self as “biggest” or “smartest” or “tallest” gives way to an understanding of one’s strengths and weaknesses” (Paris et al. 306).
First of all, the given line explains the critical change occurring in children’s mentality during their growth. It shows that they acquire a greater experience of comparing themselves with others, which evidences cognitive flexibility (Paris et al. 306). They learn that interaction in society implies considering strengths and weaknesses to attain success. Moreover, the line shows that children make the first steps in developing their critical thinking. They stop using exaggerated ideas from the past and refer to their self-concepts or beliefs about their personal identity (Paris et al. 306). It is an important phase of children’s transformation and socialization, meaning they will be able to act within a society.
“The adolescent growth spurt is a rapid increase in an individual’s height and weight during puberty resulting from the simultaneous release of growth hormones, thyroid hormones, and androgens” (Paris et al. 327).
I assume this is the central sentence of the chapter. First of all, it states that during adolescence, individuals experience a rapid increase in their height and weight. These body changes are a crucial part of the person’s development and necessary for the complete transformation into an adult. At the same time, the line shows the causes of this transformation, such as hormones. It means that the body of the person starts to function differently, focusing on the production of elements required for further life. In such a way, the line is vital for understanding the physical development of adolescents.
“Teen thinking is also characterized by the ability to consider multiple points of view, imagine hypothetical situations, debate ideas and opinions (e.g., politics, religion, and justice), and form new ideas” (Paris et al. 362).
The line outlines the scope of cognitive development peculiar to an adolescent. First, it shows that a teen starts using more complex concepts to formulate his/her judgments and attitudes toward a particular idea. Moreover, it demonstrates that a person becomes capable of abstract thought, which is a critical difference between a child and an adult (Paris et al. 362). At the same time, these alterations are linked to the cognitive changes in the brain, the prefrontal complex responsible for forming judgments, which evolves due to hormones (Paris et al. 363). In such a way, the sentence describes teens’ cognitive development and helps to understand their importance.
“Adolescent’s main questions are “Who am I?” and “Who do I want to be?”” (Paris et al. 384).
I think the sentence is critical for understanding the social and emotional development of an adolescent. First, it introduces the central questions a teen asks themselves to understand their role in society. It indicates a significant shift in their cognition as young people start to view them as part of communities and want to find their place there. At the same time, it shows that adolescents’ sense of self becomes relational as they analyze their cooperation with others (Paris et al. 384). These transformations and questions are critical for forming a person’s identity and determining his/her future relations with others and development.
Work Cited
Paris, Jennifer, et al. Child Growth and Development. College of the Canyons, 2018.