CHAPTER 1.2Studying Children

IMPORTANCE OF CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT Childhood prepares us for adulthood. At birth, the brain is the least developed

organ. By age three, the brain has made

trillions of connections.

STIMULATE To make these connections, caregivers

need to stimulate the brain. Stimulation: Any activity that arouses

a baby’s sense of sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell.

These activities help improve a baby’s curiosity, attention span, memory, and nervous system.

Babies who receive more stimulation develop more quickly and have a more secure self-image.

WHAT RESEARCHERS HAVE FOUND Researchers study children to test a

theory.Theory: A belief

Scientists give us information and suggestions about how to best nurture and educate children.

5 AREAS OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT 1. Physical 2. Emotional 3. Social 4. Intellectual 5. Moral

CHARACTERISTICS OF DEVELOPMENT Researchers have found child

development follows these five general rules:

1. Development is similar for each individualChildren go through the stages in almost

the same order.Example: Rolling over before walking

2. Development builds upon earlier learning.Development follows a sequence, or an

order of steps.The skills learned at one stage build upon

those mastered earlier.

CHARACTERISTICS OF DEVELOPMENT 3. Development proceeds at an individual

rate. All children pass through the same stages, but

they do so at a different rate. Example: Sam learned to walk at 11 months, but

Dean did not begin walking until 13 months. 4. The different areas of development are

interrelated. Changes occur in each area at the same time.

5. Development is continuous throughout life. The rate of development varies, but it never

stops for anyone.

QUESTION #1: Predict why children follow their own

pace in terms of development.

INFLUENCES ON DEVELOPMENT Each child has their own combination of

factors that influence development. These factors are:

1. Heredity: The biological transfer of certain characteristics from earlier generations. Blood type, eye color, and hair color are just a few of the characteristics determined by heredity.

2. Environment: is the people, places, and things that surround and influence a person, including family, home, school, and community.

INFLUENCES ON DEVELOPMENT Heredity is often referred to as nature. Environment is often referred to as

nurture.

INFLUENCES ON DEVELOPMENT Children often inherit certain characteristics

like hair and eye color from their parents. (nature)

Children often learn attitudes and beliefs from their environment. (nurture) Example: Elena’s mom loves to read and she sees

her taking reading seriously, so Elena learns to love to read also

It is impossible to separate nature and nurture. Do we love to read because our mother loves

to read and we see her do it so we do it to? Or do we both share the same genes and that is why we both love to read?

QUESTION #2: Which do you think has more affect:

nature or nurture? Explain your answer.

INFLUENCES ON DEVELOPMENT No two children have exactly the same

environment, even children who live in the same home.

Two siblings may have different teachers, friends, activities, etc.

Everyone in a child’s life influences their development. That is why working with children is such a challenge!

THE ROLE OF SELF-ESTEEM IN DEVELOPMENT Self-Esteem: Self-worth or the value

people place on themselves People with low self-esteem feel they

are failing or constantly disappointing others

Researchers have found a link between low self-esteem and poor school performance, truancy, and criminal behavior.

Children with high self-esteem are more likely to show enthusiasm for learning, form friendships, and make healthy choices.

STAGES OF LIFE AFTER CHILDHOOD Development does not end with

childhood. Human Life Cycle: A set of stages of

human development that each present different challenges to be met or skills to be acquired

Developmental Task: The challenge to be met or skill to be acquired in each stage

Mastering the task at each stage helps prepare a person for the next stage of the human life cycle.

STAGES OF LIFE AFTER CHILDHOOD 1. Adolescence: Stage of life between

childhood and adulthood. Teens work on three developmental tasks: creating an identity, becoming independent, and pursuing education and careers.

2. Young Adulthood: People in their twenties, when many young adults finish their education and begin working. Many marry in this period.

STAGES OF LIFE AFTER CHILDHOOD 3. The Thirties: This stage presents the

challenges of establishing roots, reevaluating life choices made earlier, and finding stability in career and relationships.

4. Middle Age: Ages 40-55. Parents adjust to their children becoming more independent. Adults in this stage make life changes, such as starting a new career.

STAGES OF LIFE AFTER CHILDHOOD 5. Late Adulthood: Ages 55-75. Many

adults retire, become more socially or politically active, travel, take classes, take on a part-time job, or enjoy new hobbies. Adults may enjoy spending time with grand-children. Health issues may arise.

6. Very Late Adulthood: Beyond age 75. Health problems become very common. However, many older adults are still active and contribute to society. People in this stage often need more assistance or care.

QUESTION #3: Predict which stage of life after

childhood is the most difficult. Explain your answer.