Child Development Why Study Child Development The Top

Child Development

Why Study Child Development? ? The Top TEN Reasons 1. You will learn about the person you are. 2. You will learn about the child you were. 3. You will learn about the adult you will be 4. You may be a father or mother someday. 5. You may choose a career that involves working with children.

6. You will learn how to care for children 7. You will learn how to observe and understand children. 8. You will strengthen your relationships with younger brothers, sisters, or other children you know. 9. You can better plan your future in relation to parenthood. 10. You may discover that children are FUN!!

Child Development The pattern of change that occurs as children grow from birth to adolescence How – When – Why & in What Order? ? .

Physical Development The growth of the body as well as its abilities. Height, weight, motor skills, coordination & balance.

Motor Skills Abilities that depend on the use and control of muscles

Intellectual Development Often called “cognitive” development. Occurs as children learn to think, understand, reason and use language.

Language Development Changes in the ability to communicate verbally

Social Development Develops as children learn to relate to other people – learning skills needed to get along with people and fit into society.

Interpersonal Skills • Children learn to play together, share – trade – settle problems with words rather than hitting, biting, kicking, etc…

Emotional Development Includes feelings about themselves, others and the world. Good emotional development depends heavily of the treatment a child receives.

Moral Development Children develop beliefs and attitudes about what is important – called values. Families teach many values – religion and society teach them also.

Laws of Growth and Development 1. Growth proceeds from head to foot. – lift head, pick up objects, walk to objects etc… 2. Growth proceeds from near to far – from body trunk outward. 1. Scoot body, wave arms, grab objects, pick up objects.

• 3. Growth proceeds from the simple to complex. – Sleeping, being fed, holding the bottle, feeding self. 4. Growth is continuous and orderly – both legs grow at the same rate.

The Five Stages Of Development 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Infancy – birth to 12 months. Toddler – 12 months to 3 years Preschool – 3 years to 6 years School Age – 6 years – 12 years Adolescence – 13 years – 18 years