Early Childhood Stages
Newborn
0-3 months
Physical Development (give an example)
The growth and development of both the brain and body in infancy and early childhood.
Example: A baby learning how to walk.
Fine and Gross Motor Skills
Fine motor skills refer to the development of small muscle groups. Gross motor skills refer to the development of large muscle skills.
John Locke
Children are born blank slates and can be modeled into anything.
Jean Jacques Piaget's Cognitive Development Theory
Learning, thinking, and reasoning change over time.
Infant
3-12 months
Cognitive Development (give an example)
the growth of a child's ability to think and reason.
Example: letting a baby explore toys and move about
Development is Consistent
People tend to have traits that are consistent and predictable
The father of kindergarten. Thought children learned best through play.
Benjamin Spock Book
The Common Sense Book of Baby and Childcare
Toddler
12-24 months
Social Development (give an example)
The change over time in an individual's understanding of, attitudes concerning, and behavior toward others.
Example: Playing with other kids
The different domains of development are interrelated
Even though researchers tend to focus on one area of development at a time, changes occur in many areas at the same time.
John Dewey
Chlidren learn by doing and hands on experiences.
Erik Erikson's Psychological Theory
8 Stages of Personality Development
Preschooler
2-4 years
Emotional Development (give an example)
Understanding how and why emotions occur and recognizing your own feelings and those of others.
Example: Showing affection for others.
Development is Gradual and Continuous
"change doesn't happen overnight"
Arnold Gesell
First to study stages of development and establish developmental milestones.
Lawrence Kolhberg's Theory
Studied Moral Development and Reasoning (Theory of Moral Development)
School Aged
5-7+ years
Moral Development (give an example)
Developing what you think is right and wrong/ what you believe.
Example: Following the rules because they would feel guilty if they didn't.
Development Happens at Different Rates
While there are predictable "age norms" for milestones, development can be accelerated or delayed as well
Maria Montessori
An Italian doctor; believed children's natural curiosity will lead to learning. Worked extensively with children with disabilities.
Lev Vygosky's Sociocultural Theory
Children learn through social interactions.