Child Development Concepts

Toddlers struggle with self-regulation because they are beginning to assert independence but still learning to express emotions.

• They are fully independent and do not need guidance.

• They are beginning to assert independence but still learning to express emotions.

• They have mastered emotional expression and self-regulation.

• They are not interested in social interactions.

School-age children begin to develop logical thinking and understand cause-and-effect relationships.

• Develop logical thinking and understand cause-and-effect relationships

• Learn to read and write fluently

• Master basic arithmetic operations

• Understand complex scientific theories

Common type of play during group activities for preschool-aged children:

• Parallel play

• Solitary play

• Associative play

• Cooperative play

Example of a fine motor skill preschoolers are developing:

• Cutting with scissors

• Running in a straight line

• Jumping over a rope

• Throwing a ball

Cognitive milestone for school-age children

• Increased ability to focus on tasks and complete complex assignments

• Decreased need for supervision during playtime

• Improved physical coordination and motor skills

• Enhanced social skills and ability to make friends

Preschoolers typically improve coordination and balance by:

• Hopping and skipping

• Running in circles

• Jumping jacks

• Walking on a balance beam

Child development begins

• At birth

• At one year

• At three years

• At puberty

Gross motor skill development example

• Crawling or climbing stairs

• Reading or writing

• Solving math problems

• Drawing or painting

NOT a typical development milestone for infants

• Understanding cause and effect

• Crawling

• Walking

• Babbling

Social growth primarily involves:

• Interacting and communicating with others

• Isolating oneself from social situations

• Focusing solely on personal achievements

• Avoiding collaboration with peers