Introduction to Child Development

Introduction to Child Development

• Developmental Lines:

  • Interpsychic: Development arises from interactions with adults (parents).

  • Intrapsychic: Cognitive growth from within the child.

  • Interpersonal Activity: Engagement with toys, reading, sports, or work.

• Developmental Achievements:

  • Development occurs through different stages of play:

    • Sensori-Motor Play: Focus on sensory interactions and physical engagement.

    • Symbolic Play: Use of symbols or objects to represent ideas or actions.

    • Pretend Play (Role Play): Imaginative play where children enact roles and scenarios.

• Attachment Theory:

  • Early attachment patterns to primary caregivers shape future relationships and developmental pathways.

Key Developmental Stages According to Elkonin

• 0-1 Years: Formation of an intimate relationship with the primary caregiver.

• 1-3 Years: Learning to manipulate objects and tools.

• 3-6 Years: Engaging with peers and cooperative play.

• 7-12 Years: Academic focus and structured learning.

• 13-17 Years: Developing social relationships with peers.

• Experiences from 0-2 Years:

  • Children come with pre-existing experiences that influence their current behavior and interaction.

Developmental Milestones from 2 to 3 Years

Physical Development

• Capable of:

  • Running and walking backward.

  • Balancing briefly on one foot.

  • Opening and closing doors.

  • Sorting shapes with adequate fitting.

  • Building a tower of 6 blocks.

  • Spontaneous scribbling and holding a pencil.

Cognitive Development

• Beginning to:

  • Use objects in novel ways.

  • Understand object permanence fully.

  • Engage in deliberate problem-solving.

  • Classify objects by one dimension.

  • Explore causality (e.g. pressing a cat causes scratching).

Linguistic Development

• Vocabulary of 50-300 words.

  • Understanding of effective communication to meet needs.

  • Receptive language is more developed than expressive language.

Emotional Development

• Signs of empathy and limited physical aggression during frustration.

• Displays impatience and has difficulty taking turns.

• Experiences separation anxiety and normative egocentricity.

Social Development

• Engages in ritualistic behaviors; can be bossy or possessive.

• Enjoys imitating peers but limited direct interaction.

• Key influence from immediate family dynamics.

Developmental Milestones from 3 to 4 Years

Physical Development

• Capable of:

  • Jumping and maintaining balance on one foot.

  • Climbing on play equipment.

  • Throwing and catching balls.

  • Improved control of utensils and markers (tripod grasp).

Cognitive Development

• Short attention span but engaged in familiarity, especially family-related stories.

• Can perform counting, understand categories, and enjoy riddles.

Linguistic Development

• Ability to expand phrases and use adjectives and plurals appropriately.

• Expanded vocabulary with descriptive language.

Emotional Development

• Experience of wanting independence triggers tantrums or anger.

• Expression of fears and nuance in emotional understanding.

Social Development

• Begins identifying with gender roles and interacts more with peers.

• Enjoys participation in group activities while sometimes being possessive.

Developmental Milestones from 4 to 5 Years

Goals for Children

• Develop basic English vocabulary.

• Learn sharing and cooperative social skills.

• Begin expressing aggression verbally.

Physical Development

• Independence in dressing and improved walking/balancing skills.

• Stronger throwing skills and creation of simple sculptures.

Cognitive Development

• Short attention span continues, with some beginning reading skills.

• Understanding of objects within context and daily scheduling.

Developmental Milestones from 5 to 6 Years

Goals for Children

• Improve vocabulary and cultural understanding.

• Develop the ability to perform presentations.

Physical Development

• Increase in independent activities and self-care skills.

• Ability to tie laces and perform crafts.

Cognitive Development

• Improved understanding of the concepts of time and narrative structure.

Developmental Milestones from 6 to 7 Years

Goals for Children

• Engage in longer activities and presentations.

• Motivation for learning; emotionally prepared for formal education.

Physical Development

• Active participation in vigorous play.

• Improved gross motor skills leading to independent activity.

Cognitive Development

• Enhanced logical thinking; understanding of abstract concepts.

Developmental Milestones from 7 to 9 Years

Overall Profile

• Transition period with variability in behavior among peers due to self-control differences.

Cognitive Development

• Improved critical thinking, questioning, and argumentation skills.

Social and Emotional Development

• Experimentation with different social roles and more peer interaction.

Developmental Milestones from 9 to 12 Years

Overall Profile

• Transitional phase with significant hormonal changes.

Cognitive Development

• Development of scientific reasoning and abstract thinking.

General Notes for Adolescence

• Transitioning responsibilities from parents.

  • Focus on social dynamics, values, and identity formation.

  • Increased sensitivity and impulsivity influence behavior and learning.