Child Development Sec. 1-2 “Studying Children”

1. Child DevelopmentSec. 1-2 “Studying Children” Mrs. Moore Room 27

2. Why is Childhood Crucial? • Preparing for adulthood • Early childhood is most important stage for brain development • Babies’ brains develop in response to stimulation, which includes activities that arouse a baby’s sense of sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. These activities can improve a baby’s curiosity, attention span, memory, and nervous system development. • Babies who are stimulated develop more quickly and have a more secure self-image.

3. Characteristics of Development Researchers have found that child development follows five general rules: • Development is similar for each individual – children go through the same stages in about the same order • Development builds upon early learning – it follows a sequence and builds on skills mastered previously • Development proceeds at an individual rate – each child goes through these stages at his/her own pace

4. Characteristics of Development (cont) • The different areas of development are interrelated – While researchers may focus on one area of development, changes occur in many areas(body, mind, emotions) at the same time. • Development is a lifelong process – While the rate of development varies, development doesn’t stop.

5. Child Development Theorists

6. Child Development Theorists (cont)

7. Influences on development • Heredity – biological transfer of certain characteristics from earlier generations such as blood type, eye color, and hair color. • Environment – People, places, and things that surround and influence a person, including family, home, school, and community.

8. Lifelong Growth and Development • Development continues throughout life in stages called the human life cycle. Mastering the tasks from one stage helps prepare a person for the next stage. • Development Beyond Childhood 1. Adolescence (between childhood and adulthood) 2. Young Adulthood (20’s) 3. The Thirties 4. Middle Age(40-55) 5. Late Adulthood(55-75) 6. Very Late Adulthood (75+)

9. The Role of Self-Esteem in Development • Self-esteem, or self-worth, refers to the value people place on themselves. It plays a role in people’s ability to face and overcome the challenges of each developmental stage, including those of young adulthood. • People with low self-esteem often feel that they are failing or constantly disappointing others. Researchers have found a link between poor self-esteem and poor school performance, truancy, and criminal behavior. • A sense of self-worth is critical to a child’s development.