Child Development 101
Theory
Developmental Domains
High Quality Practices
Designs for Living and Learning by Curtis and Carter
100

When a teacher observes and writes down objective notes about a child’s behavior in the moment, this type of documentation is being used.

What is an anecdotal record. 
100

This theorist shared his theory of multiple intelligence. 

Who is Howard Gardner.

100

This developmental domain includes memory, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.

What is cognitive development 

100

n high-quality early childhood classrooms, teachers ask open-ended questions instead of yes/no questions to support this type of thinking.

What is critical thinking. 

100

Teachers who closely watch children’s play and interactions to understand their thinking are engaging in this practice.

What is observation. 

200

Activities that match children’s age, abilities, and interests are described by this early childhood principle.

What is developmentally appropriate practice (DAP). 
200

Ecological Systems Theory explains child development as occurring within interacting systems such as family, school, and culture. Who created it? 

Who is Bronfenbrenner. 

200

Sharing toys, expressing feelings, and learning to cooperate with peers are part of this developmental domain.

What is social/emotional development 

200

Materials like blocks, loose parts, art supplies, and natural objects encourage this type of learning.

What is open-ended exploration. 
200

Spaces that allow children to gather in small groups, collaborate, and talk support this type of learning.

What is social learning. 
300

When children learn to control impulses, manage emotions, and focus attention, they are developing this skill.

What is self-regulation. 

300

This theorist introduced the concept of the Zone of Proximal Development and emphasized the importance of social interaction in learning.

Who is Lev Vygotsky. 

300

Vocabulary growth, storytelling, and understanding directions are part of this developmental domain.

What is language development.

300

In a high-quality classroom, the environment is often described as this because it supports and guides children’s learning.

What is "the third teacher." 

300

Curtis and Carter encourage teachers to design environments that respond to children’s interests and ideas, supporting this curriculum approach.

What is an emergent curriculum. 

400

This type of play involves pretending, role-playing, and using imagination to represent real-life experiences.

What is Dramatic Play. 

400

This theorist believed children actively construct knowledge through interacting with their environment

Who is Jean Piaget. 
400

Balance, coordination, running, and using scissors are skills developed in this domain.

What is physical development. 

400

A thoughtfully designed space that invites children to explore ideas, ask questions, or investigate a topic is often called this.

What is a provocation. 
400

When teachers adjust the environment to better support children’s relationships, exploration, and collaboration, they are engaging in this ongoing process.

What is environmental redesign.

500

The understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen develops during this stage of development.

What is object permanence. 

500

This theorist proposed eight stages of psychosocial development across the lifespan.

Who is Erik Erikson. 

500

When a child learns to regulate emotions, build relationships, and develop empathy, they are strengthening this domain.

What is social/emotional development. 

500

Documentation panels, photos of children learning, and displays of children’s work serve this purpose in the classroom.

What is "making learning visible." 
500

Curtis and Carter emphasize that high-quality environments are not static but should evolve based on this.

What is children's interests and interactions. 

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