Typical Child Development

Sources: Allen, K. A. & Marotz, L. R. (1999). Developmental Profiles: Prebirth through eight (3rd ed.). Klein, D. M., Ossman, N. H., & Tracy, B. (1991). Normal Development Copybook.

Development of Young Children with Disabilities#872.514 (61)

Carol Ann Heath

THE NEWBORN Average weight 6.5-9 lbs. (females 7 lbs./males 7.5 lbs)

5 to 7 percent of birth weight lost in 1st days Average gains of 5 to 6 ounces per wk/1st month Average length at birth 18 to 21 inches Respiration- 30 to 50 breaths per minute Chest is small; same size as head Body temperatures 96-99 degrees

NEWBORN cont’d Head is large; accounts for ¼ of body length Head circumference averages 12.5-14.5 inches Fontanels (soft spot) located on the top (anterior)

and back (posterior) of head Tongue appears large in proportion to mouth Cries without tears Eyes sensitive to light; sees outlines & shapes;

unable to focus on distant objects

BIRTH TO ONE MONTH Engages in reflexive motor activity

swallowing, sucking, gagging, coughing, yawning, blinking, and elimination are present at birth

Motor Reflexes Rooting Moro (startle) Grasping Stepping Tonic neck reflex (TNR) Plantar Fetal position Prone suspension

Perceptual-Cognitive Development Blinks eyes in response to fast object Follows a slow moving object 180º arc Follows objects moved vertically if close to face

(10-15 in) Studies hand in TNR position Hearing at birth; more cute than vision Prefers sweet liquids Smell present at birth; turns from unpleasant odor

Speech and Language Crying and fussing are major modes Reacts to loud noises Shows preference for sound, music &

voice Turn head in response to voice on either

side Makes occasional sounds other than crying

Social Development Experiences short period of alertness Sleeps 17 to 19 hrs/ day Likes to be held close, cuddled Show qualities of individuality Begins bonding relationships Develops sense of trust with parents &

caregivers

Development Alerts- if the infant does not….. Startle to loud noise Suck & swallow Gain weight, height, head circumference Grasp with both hands Eye-contact Quiet in response to comfort Patterns of vocalization

ONE – FOUR MONTHS Average length 20-27 inches; grows 1 inch per

month Weighs an average of 8-16 lbs; females weigh

less than males Gains ¼ to ½ lb per week Respiration rate is 30-40 breaths per min Normal body temp 96.4-99.6 º Head & chest circumference equal

ONE – FOUR MONTHS con’t Posterior fontanel closes by 2nd month Anterior fontanel closes to approx ½ in Skin still easily irritated Arms & legs equal length Legs bowed/feet flat Cries with tears Eyes move in unison Color vision

Motor Development Reflexive motor behaviors change Grasps with entire hand Holds hands in and open position Muscle strength and control improving;

movements are large and jerky Muscle tone and development equal for girls and

boys Raises head and upper body on arms in prone

position

Motor con’t Turns head side to side when in a supine (face up)

position Upper body parts are active; clasps hands above

face, waves arms, reaches for objects Begins to roll from front to back at will Can be pulled to sitting position; can sit with

support at four months

Perceptual-Cognitive Development Fixates on moving object at 12 in; visual

tracking, vertical & horizontal Continues to gaze in direction of objects that have

disappeared Exhibits sense of size, color, shape recognition Out of sight, out of mind Watches hand intently Focuses & reaches for objects

Perceptual/Cognitive con’t Alternates tracking from 1 to another Imitates- bye bye; pat head Hits at object with accuracy Sound localization Moves to music Distinguish parent’s voice, touch, smell Mouths objects

Speech & Language Searches for sounds Coordinates vocalization & body Babbles or coos when spoken to Coos using single vowel sounds

(ah, ed, uh) Laughs out loud

Social Development con’t Can imitate, maintain, avoid interactions Reacts to variations in adult voices Enjoys being held, cuddles Coos, gurgles, squeals Smiles to face and voice Delights in play

Development Alerts- if the infant does not….. Show steady increases in height, weight, head

circumference Smiles Tracks objects Brings hands to midchest Locates sounds Raise head and upper body when prone Reaches for objects/people

FOUR-EIGHT MONTHS Gains 1 lb month/Doubles birth weight Gains ½ in length mo/average length 27.5-29 in Head circumference increases 3/8 mo Head and chest equal Breathing is abdominal, 25-50 breaths/min Teeth appear with upper/lower incisors 1st

Legs bowed True eye color

Motor Development Reflexive behaviors changing Pincer grip to pick up objects Reaches with arms, alternating Transfers objects Palmar grasp Handles, shakes, & pounds objects Holds own bottle

Motor Development con’t Sits without support Pulls self into crawling position Lifts head when placed on back Rolls over Scoots backwards Likes to be placed in standing position

Perceptual-Cognitive Development Locates familiar sounds Focuses eyes on sm objects/ reaches Uses hand, mouth, eyes to explore Imitates actions Shows fear of falling, depth perception Looks for objects dropped; repeats action Object permanence

Perceptual-Cognitive con’t Picks up inverted objects; turn, shakes Unable to attend to more than one toy Reaches with either hand Plays with small toys Bangs objects (spoons) on table Mouths everything Full attachment to caregiver

Speech & Language Responds to name and simple requests Imitates sounds, cough, clicks, smacks Responds to anger, sadness, playfulness Expresses emotions through sounds Talks to toys Babbles same syllable (ba,ba,ba)

Social Development Developing sense of self Smiles, coos, reaches out Recognizes caregivers, reacts strangers Imitates facial expressions Indicates desire to be picked up/lifts arms Laughs out loud Seeks attention by movement, vocalization

Development Alerts- if the infant does not….. Show progress in weight, height, head size Explore with hands/ shakes rattle Smile, babble, laugh Search for hidden objects Use pincer grasp Interest in pat-a-cake, peek-a-boo Reach for objects Sits alone, eat solid foods

EIGHT – TWELVE MONTHS Gains in height slow to ½ in month; 1 ½ times

birth length at 1st birthday Weight increases by 1 lb month; triples birth

weight; average of 21 lbs 20-45 breaths per min/abdominal breathing Head & chest equal Anterior fontanel begins to close Four lower/upper incisors; 2 lower molars Visual acuity 20/100; binocular coordination

Motor Development Reaches w/one hand to grasp; transfers Uses deliberate pincer grasp Stacks & nests objects Releases by dropping/throwing Pulls to standing; walks around w/support Good balance; shifts positions Creeps; crawls up/down stairs Walks with adult support or alone

Perceptual-Cognitive Development Shows object awareness to 20 ft; points Responds to hearing tests; localization Follows simple instructions Reaches for out of reach but visible toys Still mouthing Drops toy to reach for others Hits blocks together

Perceptual-Cognitive Development Shows use of objects-pretends to drink

from cup, hug doll Shows sense of spatial relationships Sense of causality Show awareness of working relationships-

spoon in mouth, brush for hair Searches for hidden objects

Speech and Language Babbles; shouts to get attention; listens Shakes head for “no”; nods for “yes” Responds to name Babbles in sentence like sequences Waves bye bye Says “da da” and “ma ma” Vocalizes & dances to music Hands toy when asked to

Social Development Fear of strangers; clings or hides Wants parent in constant sight Cries, hug leg, reaches to be picked up Resists caregiver requests; Attached to favorite toy/blanket Repeats attention getting behaviors Carries out simple requests

Development Alerts- if the infant does not….. Blink when object approaches eyes Begin to cut teeth Imitate simple sounds Follow requests-come, bye-bye Transfer objects Show anxiety to strangers Feed self Creep or crawl

THE TODDLERS 12 to 24 MOS Slower rate of growth; grows 2-3in/yr; Average height 32 – 35 in; weight 21-27lb Heart rate 80-100 per min Anterior fontanel is nearly closed at 18 mo Chest is larger than head 6 – 10 new teeth Visual acuity is 20/60

Motor Development Crawls skillfully; stands alone; gets to feet

unaided; walk unassisted; falls often Enjoys pulling & pushing toys Attempts to run; Crawls up stairs Sits in a small chair Whole arm scribbling Helps feed self; turns pages; stack blocks

Perceptual-Cognitive Development Enjoys object hiding activities Enjoys looking at picture books Demonstrates understanding function

relationships: bowl/spoon, saucer/cup Names everyday objects Places items in container, dumps out Tries to make mechanical objects work

Speech and Language Words & sounds in speech-like patterns Holophrastic speech- one word to thought Follows simple directions Identifies three body parts when asked Responds to “yes” or “no” questions Locates familiar objects Use 5 to 50 words Enjoys rhymes and songs

Social Development Helps pick up toys and put away Plays alone for short periods Imitates adult actions in play Recognizes self in mirror Enjoys being read to Asserts independence; resists dressing Tantrums

Development Alerts- if the toddler does not Attempt to talk or repeat words Understand new words Respond with yes/no Walk alone How interest in pictures Attempt self feeding Recognize self in mirror

THE TWO YEAR OLD Weight gain 2-2 ½ lb mo; 26-32 lb average Grows 3-5 in/yr; average height 34-38 in Respirations slow & regular 20-35/min Brain reaches 80% of adult size Teeth nearly complete; 2nd molars appear; Body temp fluctuates with activity,

emotions, environment

Motor Development Wide-stance walk; heel-to-toe pattern Squats when playing Climbs stairs unassisted (not alternating) Balances on one foot Achieves toilet training Throws large balls Holds cup; opens doors; Pours; stacks 4-6 Uses feet to propel wheeled riding toys

Perceptual-Cognitive Development Eye hand coordination; pegs in board Uses objects for intended purposes Simple classification tasks Attends longer period of time Cause and effect Names objects in picture books Recognizes and expresses pain

Speech and Language Participates in reading by pointing Uses 50-300 different words Receptive more developed than expressive Utters 3-4 word sentences Refers to self Expresses negative words, “no” “no more” Uses plurals, tells about objects & events

Social Development Shows signs of empathy; comforts Temper tantrums peak; impatient Enjoys helping w/household tasks Bossy; orders everyone about Watches & imitates older children Defiant, shouts “no” Ritualistic

Development Alerts- if the toddler does not…. Eat well Walk confidently; avoid bumping objects Carry out simple 2 step directions Use 2-3 word sentences Show interest in other children Beginning toilet training Sort familiar objects by color, size, type

THE PRESCHOOLER- 3 yr old Average height 38-40 in; adult height can be

predicted from height at three years (males are 53% of adult height; females are 57% of adult height

Weight averages 30-38 lbs Neck appears to lengthen; Full set of baby teeth Consumes 1500 calories daily Visual acuity 20/40

Motor Development Walks up/down stairs, uses alternating feet Balance on one foot; jumps in place Kicks large ball; throws ball overhead Feeds self; manipulates zippers Pedals a tricycle or Bigwheel Catches ball with both arms extended Tripod grasp; stacks 8 blocks Shows hand dominance

Perceptual-Cognitive Development Listens to stories; makes comments; enjoys

guessing and suspense stories Points to correct pictures upon request Plays realistically Draws circles, squares, letters Points to “more”; Counts outloud Shows understanding of time

Speech and Language Talks about objects, events not present Describes actions of others Asks many questions “Watch me” stage Joins in social rituals, “hi” & “bye” Vocabulary- 300-1000 words Sings songs; rhymes Answers what and where questions

Social Development Understands taking turns, won’t usually Nightmares, fears the dark, monsters Joins in group activities Talks to self; engages in make-believe Defends toys & possessions Listens to stories up to 10 min Still has special blanket, toy

Development Alerts- if the toddler does not…. Have intelligible speech Follow directions State name and age Uses 3-4 word sentences Ask questions Jump in place without falling Balance on 1 foot

THE FOUR YEAR OLD Gains 4-5 lbs/yr; weighs 32-40 lbs Grows 2-2.5in/yr; height 40-45 in Body temp 98 –99.4 º Eats 1700 calories daily Hearing can be assessed Visual acuity 20/30

Motor Development Walks a straight line; hops on one foot Pedals & steers wheeled toy Climbs ladders, playground equipment Jumps objects; lands with both feet Throws ball overhand longer distances Builds 10 cube tower; hits pegs with accuracy Strings beads

Perceptual-Cognitive Development Builds a graduated pyramid Indicates if words sound alike: sheet/feet Names uppercase letters; writes several Prints names; recognizes some words Creates silly language Understands: biggest, tallest, more, same Rote counts to 20; sequences events Identifies missing puzzle parts

Speech & Language Uses prepositions: on, in, under Uses possessives: hers, theirs, Answers who, why, where, how many Elaborate sentence structures Use tenses States 1st and last names, gender, siblings May know telephone number

Social Development Outgoing, overly enthusiastic; moody Imaginary playmates; bends the truth Participates in group activities Shows pride in accomplishments; seeks

adult approval Name calls and tantrums Begins to have “best friends”

Development Alerts- if the toddler does not…. State name in full Recognize shapes Speaks so as to be understood Catch a large ball Hops on one foot Dress self; manage buttons, zippers Takes care of bathroom needs

THE FIVE YEAR OLD Gains 4-5 lbs year; weighs 38-45 lbs Grows 2-2.5 in/year; height 42-46 in Head size is approximately adult May begin to lose “baby” deciduous teeth Body is adult-like in proportion Requires 1800 calories daily Visual acuity is 20/20 Binocular vision well developed

Motor Development Walks backward, heel to toe Walks unassisted up/down stairs May learn to somersault; walks balance

beam; learns to skip; can touch toes without flexing knees

May ride bike w/training wheels Reproduces shapes & letters Cuts on line with scissors

Perceptual & Cognitive Development Forms rectangle from 2 triangular cuts Understands “same” shape & size Sorts objects on 2 dimensions, color/form Classification by common features Identifies serial order: 1st, 2nd, 3rd

Rote counts to 20 – 100; recognize #s Relates clock time to daily schedule Recognizes money

Speech and Language Vocabulary of 1,500 words Tells story from a book Defines word by function Identifies & names 4 – 8 colors Sentences with 5 – 7 words Knows own city, birthday, parents name Uses past tense of irregular verbs Uses past tense of regular verbs

Social Development Has 1 or 2 special playmates Participates in group play/shares Follows directions; carries out

responsibilities Has better self-control Likes to tell jokes Boastful of accomplishments

Development Alerts- if the toddler does not…. Alternate feet when climbing stairs Follow directions in order Use 4 to 5 words in sentence Cut on a line with scissors Sit still for 5-7 min short story Maintain eye contact Plays with other children Independent with self help (teeth, hands, face)

THE PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILD

Children are in a state of developmental integration, organizing, and combining of developmental skills

Boys and girls take care of personal needs Learns family routines Play is most important activity to foster learning Friends are defined as fun, pretty, nice Driven by need to do everything right

THE SIX YEAR OLD Height increases 2-3 in/yr; girls 42-46 in, boys

44-47 in Weight increases 2-7 lb/yr; girls 38-47 lbs; boys

42-49 lbs Body lanky; long bones of arms & legs grow Permanent teeth erupt Visual acuity 20/20 Facial features more adult

Motor Development Increased muscle strength; boys more so Greater control over large & fine motor Enjoys vigorous physical activity Enjoys art projects, makes things Writes number & letters with precision Folds & cuts paper into simple shapes Ties own shoes

Perceptual & Cognitive Development Span of attention increases Understands simple time markers Recognizes seasons & major holidays Enjoys puzzles, counting, sorting, mazes, match

letters & words w/pictures Recognizes some words by sight Knows right/left Clings to fantasies (Tooth Fairy, Santa) Aware of death & dying

Social Development Less dependent on parents; friendship

circle expands Anxious to please, seeks adult attention Egocentric Easily frustrated by perceived failures Little understanding of ethical behavior Fearful of storms, dark, dogs

Development Alerts- if the toddler does not…. Shows signs of ongoing growth Run, jump, balance, throw ball Show interest in reading Follow multiple-step directions Show interest in reading & writing Develop alternatives to inappropriate behaviors Decrease in tension behaviors

THE SEVEN YEAR OLD Weight increases small; gain of 6 lb/yr; 50-55 lbs Height increases 2.5 yr; girls 44 in; boys 46-49.5

in Arms & legs continue to lengthen; Energy level comes & goes Eyeballs change shape and size; vision should be

checked Hair often darkens in color Increase in permanent teeth

Motor Development Large & fine motor control increases Tends to become more cautious Practices new motor skill repeatedly Sprawls on floor to read, homework; head

on table when writing Uses knife & fork appropriately Writing increasingly more uniform

Perceptual & Cognitive Development Concepts of space & time logical Grasp Piaget’s concepts of conservation Increased understanding of cause/effect Tell time by clock and calendar Fascinated by magic tricks Reading easier Interest in counting and saving money Letter reversals and sound substitutions still exist

Speech & Language Likes to write short stories; tells tales Uses adult sentence structure Language is more precise Verbally critical of own work Verbal exaggeration Describes personal experiences in great detail Carries out up to 5 step directions Writes letters to friends

Social Development Sees humor in everyday happenings Likes to be “teacher’s helper” Friends are important; less quarrelsome Complains family decisions are unjust Blames others for own mistakes Same-gender playmates Takes responsibility seriously

Development Alerts- if the toddler does not…. Attend to the task at hand; longer periods of

sitting, listening Go to school willingly Make friends Sleep soundly Seem to see or hear adequately Assume grooming responsibilities Show improved motor skills

THE EIGHT YEAR OLD Gains 5-7 lb/yr; weighs 55-61 lbs Height increases slowly but steadily Some girls begin to develop breasts &

pubic hair Moods swings begin as hormonal activity

increases Overall health improves; fewer illnesses Body shape is more mature

Motor Development Enjoys vigorous activity Seeks out team activities Exhibits improvement in agility, speed,

strength Copies words from blackboards with

accuracy Possesses endless energy

Perceptual & Cognitive Development Collects objects, organizes items Eager to save money to make purchases Interested in what others think Likes to read & work independently Understands perspective Understands principles of conservation Adds/subtracts multiple-digit numbers Begin multiplication/division

Speech and Language Understands multiple-step instructions Uses descriptions that are imaginative/detailed Repeats slang & curse words Follows rules of grammar Likes secret word codes and code language Converses fluently w/adults Discusses past and future

Social Development Forms opinions about values, attitudes Plays with “best” friends; enjoys time alone Less critical of own performance Enjoys team games; seeks group membership Enjoys talking on the phone with friends Enjoys performing for adults and likes to

challenge adults in games

Development Alerts- if the toddler does not…. Exhibit good appetite & continued weight gain Experience fewer illnesses Show improved motor skills Understand abstract concepts Enjoy school and learning Follow through on multiple step directions Form friendships with peers