CHAPTER 1: CHILDREN’S WELL-BEING: WHAT
IT IS AND HOW TO ACHIEVE IT
Answers to Review Questions
ANSWERS TO CHAPTER REVIEW
A. By Yourself
1. Have the students prepare an oral or written sentence defining each of the Terms to
Know.
2. Heredity (genetics) contributes to health by determining the limits of an individual’s
potential for growth, development, and overall state of health, including
predispositions to certain diseases. Environment, including everything from foods
consumed to where a person lives, influences one’s genetic potential and whether
the outcome will be positive/negative. For example, maintaining a healthy weight,
eating a nutritious diet, and engaging in physical activity may reduce a person’s risk
of developing diabetes even though there is a family history of the disease.
Following unhealthy lifestyle practices could potentially result in the disease
developing sooner.
3. Singing, talking, and reading stimulate brain development by promoting new neural
connections, strengthening existing pathways, and building a strong foundation for
continued/advanced learning.
4. Young children are at high risk for unintentional injuries for several reasons,
including: motor skills that are not fully developed; a keen sense of curiosity and
enthusiasm; and, limited problem-solving abilities (i.e., understanding cause and
effect).
5. Preventive practices that promote children’s oral health include: consuming a
nutritious diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in added refined sugars;
daily tooth brushing with a fluoride tooth paste; flossing (for older children);
scheduling regular dental exams; and, prompt treatment of oral health problems.
6. Children living in families that are experiencing poverty may develop low self-esteem
as a result of increased stress, fear, abuse/neglect, and/or exposure to domestic
violence in their homes. They typically have fewer opportunities than other children
to participate in organized and/or enrichment activities and to access literacy and
educational materials. Children born into poverty also have a higher rate of medical
conditions and/or special developmental needs that interfere with learning. Their
needs in all areas of well-being (e.g., mental, emotional, social, physical, spiritual)
may go unmet. These and many other extenuating circumstances may collectively
contribute to lower self-esteem.
7. Adults can be instrumental in fostering children’s resilient behaviors by: providing
stable and nurturing environments; being emotionally responsive and caring;
maintaining consistent and developmentally appropriate supervision and discipline;
encouraging children’s effort; reinforcing communication and problem-solving skills;
serving as a positive role model; setting realistic goals and expectations for children;
and, involving children in outside activities. Additional suggestions are listed in
Teacher Checklist 1-4.
B. As a Group
1. An individual’s lifestyle choices can have either a positive/negative effect on health.
Factors that may have a negative effect include exposure to chemicals and pollution,
abuse, illness, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, stress, unhealthy diet, poor personal
hygiene, lack of sun protection, and inadequate medical and dental care. Factors
that can have a positive effect on an individual’s health may include consuming a
nutrient-rich diet, physical activity, adequate rest, safe and sanitary housing, good
personal hygiene practices, having access to medical and dental care, stress
reduction, wearing seat belts while driving, keeping immunizations current, and
maintaining positive interpersonal relationships with others.
2. Early childhood teachers can promote children’s wellbeing in several areas:
a. protection—including carefully planned environments, daily inspection of
equipment and children’s environments for safety hazards, establishment of
rules, and the development and enforcement of safety policies
b. services—arranging for screening procedures, early identification of health
impairments, conducting daily health observations
c. education—providing children with sound information about health, safety,
and nutrition, conducting learning experiences that are both planned and
spontaneous, and being a positive role model
3. A healthy diet is based on wise food selection and consumption. The availability of
foodstuff alone does not necessarily guarantee that an individual will select, eat,
and/or practice dietary habits that support well-being
4. Family involvement is essential for establishing consistency (between school/home),
keeping families informed about what children are learning, reinforcing families’
efforts, enhancing parenting skills and building trust/respect between school/ home.
An important step in building relationships with families involves learning about
individual families—their values, beliefs, expectations, interests, etc. When teachers
make this effort, they are better able to meet both the family and child’s needs and
expectations in a way that is respectful and supportive.
5. Engaging children in vigorous, active play each day promotes their growth and
development, mental health, and weight management. Research has also
demonstrated a reduction in stress and behavior problems when children are given
opportunities to release excess energy through physical activity. Movement activities
can be integrated with reading, math, and science lessons. For example, a science
lesson might involve having children demonstrate how various animals move; or,
children might illustrate the answers to simple math problems: “Jump up and down
to show me the answer to 1+1=2”. Children can also be instructed to hop or skip to
lunch or to the bathroom or when accompanying the teacher on an errand. Five
minute stretch or jumping jack breaks can also be taken every hour. There are many
other creative ways to make daily aerobic (increase in heart and breathing rates)
activity fun for children and adults!
6. Self-concept is the self-image a person forms based on feedback – the ways in
which you are treated by others, how others respond to you, and what others may or
may not say about you. The classroom environment, and the ways in which teachers
interact with children also shapes self concept. For example, teachers can have a
positive effect when they encourage and acknowledge children’s efforts, set realistic
goals and expectations, accept children’s mistakes and limitations, and support their
individuality. However, they can also exert a negative effect on children’s selfconcept by criticizing or failing to recognize their efforts or products, establishing
unrealistic goals that are likely to set children up for failure, and not giving children
their time and attention.
7. A teachers’ state of mental health can have a definite effect on the classroom tone
(climate) and nature of all interactions with children, families, and colleagues. In
addition, children’s safety may be at risk if a teacher is preoccupied or distracted by
personal problems. A positive state of mental health is essential if a teacher is to be
understanding, respectful, caring, and nurturing.
ANSWERS TO CASE STUDY
1. On a short-term basis, Jose’s health is being challenged by a sedentary lifestyle,
boredom, stress, and fear associated with staying home alone. His long-term outlook
is also poor due to inactivity, a diet high in fat and salt, and potential weight gain.
2. Jose is at some risk because he arrives home and stays alone for several hours
each day.
3. Jose faces a high risk of developing a number of chronic diseases, including obesity,
cardiovascular heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and certain forms of
cancer.
4. The environmental risks that may be contributing to Jose’s health include a lack of
opportunities for physical activity and unhealthy dietary choices (fast foods).
5. Jose’s mother needs assistance in locating child care so that he is not left at home
alone. Jose’s mother also needs nutritional guidance and help in learning how to
prepare healthier meals. Jose must be encouraged to begin participating in some
form of active play or exercise each day. It is also important that Jose’s home
environment is safe and that he has opportunities to socialize with other children.