CK12 Life Science

(Marvins-Underground-K-12) #1

From age three until the teens, growth is slower. The body also changes shape. The arms
and legs get longer relative to the trunk. Children continue to develop new motor skills. For
example, many young children learn how to ride a tricycle and then a bicycle. Most also
learn how to play games and sports (Figure22.9). By age six, children start losing their
baby teeth. Their permanent teeth begin coming in to replace them. They also start school
and learn how to read and write. They develop friendships and become less dependent on
their parents.


Figure 22.9: Children develop better motor skills as they get older. What motor skills is this
child demonstrating by playing soccer? ( 6 )


Puberty and Adolescence


The reproductive organs are present at birth. However, they grow very little during child-
hood. They do not mature and start functioning until puberty.


Puberty


Pubertyis the stage of life when a child becomes sexually mature. Puberty lasts from
about 12 to 18 years of age in boys and from about 10 to 16 years of age in girls.


The age when puberty begins varies from one child to another. Children that begin puberty
much earlier or later than their peers may feel self-conscious. They may also worry that
something is wrong with them. Usually, an early or late puberty is perfectly normal. If you
have concerns about puberty, tell a parent. Your doctor can check to make sure you are
developing normally.

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