TExES Physical Education EC-12 Practice Exam

At what age does a child's center of gravity shift downward for more base of support and locomotion?

1. 0-2 years of age

2. 3-5 years of age

3. 6-8 years of age

4. 9-11 years of age

The correct answer is: 0-2 years of age

The correct answer is found in the understanding of how a child's physical development progresses, particularly regarding their center of gravity. During the ages of 0 to 2 years, children's bodies undergo significant growth and changes. Initially, infants have a higher center of gravity due to their proportionally larger head size compared to the rest of their body. As they grow, their body proportions begin to change, resulting in a downward shift of the center of gravity. This downward shift is crucial for increasing stability and balance, which are foundational for developing movement skills such as crawling, standing, and eventually walking. By the time children reach the age of 3, they start to refine their locomotor skills, but the most noticeable change in the location of the center of gravity typically occurs between the ages of 0 and 2 years. This transition not only affects stability but also enhances their ability to maneuver, providing a larger base of support for further physical activities. Subsequent age groups have their own developmental milestones that focus more on refinement and coordination of motor skills rather than the fundamental shift in the center of gravity that occurs earlier on.