Child Development Concepts

Front

Use of symbols

Back

Children do not need to be in sensorimotor contact with an object, person, or event in order to think about it. Example: Simon asks his mother about the elephants they saw on their trip to the circus several months earlier.

Front

Understanding of identities

Back

Children are aware that superficial alterations do not change the nature of things. For example, Antonio knows that his teacher is dressed up as a pirate but is still his teacher underneath the costume.

Front

Understanding cause and effect

Back

Children realize that events have causes. Example: When seeing a ball roll from behind a wall, Aneko looks behind the wall for the person who kicked the ball.

Front

Ability to classify

Back

Children organize objects, people, and events into meaningful categories. Example: Rosa sorts the pinecones she collected on a nature walk into two piles: 'big' and 'little.'

Front

Understanding of Numbers

Back

Children can count and deal with quantities. For example, Lindsay shares some candy with her friends, counting to make sure that each gets the same amount.

Front

Empathy

Back

Children become more able to imagine how others might feel. Example: Emilio tries to comfort his friend when he sees that his friend is upset.

Front

Theory of mind

Back

Children become more aware of mental activity and the functioning of the mind. Example: Blanca wants to save some cookies for herself, so she hides them in a pasta box because she knows her brother will not look in a place where he doesn’t expect to find cookies.

Front

Understanding of perspective

Back

Children begin to recognize that others may have different viewpoints or experiences. Example: When playing a game, Mia realizes that her friend may not see the same strategy she does and discusses their different approaches.

Front

Development of self-regulation

Back

Children learn to manage their emotions and behaviors in various situations. Example: During a group activity, Leo takes a deep breath and waits for his turn instead of interrupting others.

Front

Recognition of social norms

Back

Children start to understand the rules and expectations of social interactions. Example: During a playdate, Ava remembers to say 'please' and 'thank you' when asking for toys.