Developmental Stages
This is the stage when a baby is growing inside the mother before birth.
the prenatal stage
This type of development is about thinking, learning, and problem solving
cognitive development
Babies communicate needs mainly by doing this
This is the close emotional bond between a baby and caregiver.
attachment
This helps babies feel safe and calm
comforting
This prenatal stage is when the baby’s organs begin to form
the embryonic stage
Pretending a toy is something else shows this type of thinking
imaginative/pretend play
This is when toddlers combine two words like “want cookie"
two-word speech
This means understanding how others might feel
empathy
Reading to young children helps improve this skill
language development
This stage focuses on growth and movement as the baby prepares for birth
What is the fetal stage
Sorting toys by size, shape, or colour shows this thinking skill
sorting
Talking, reading, and singing to children helps improve this skill
language development
Meeting a baby’s needs helps develop this feeling
trust
Playing outside helps develop these skills
gross motor skills
This stage includes babies from birth to about one month old
the newborn stage
This skill allows children to follow simple instructions
understanding
Repeating and expanding what a child says helps learning
language modelling
Toddlers saying “I can do it myself” shows this skill.
independence
Keeping routines like bedtime helps children feel this way
secure
This stage (ages 3–5) includes learning through play and imagination
the preschool stage
Asking “why?” often shows this thinking skill
curiosity
This theorist believed language develops through social interaction
Vygotsky
Feeling proud after finishing a task shows healthy self-esteem
confidence
This means giving children chances to try things on their own
independence