The Development of Children

by Cole, Cole & Lightfoot

(5th ed.)

You have lived through

EVERYTHING we talk about in this course!

Neonate

Infant

Toddler

Preschooler

Growth:Physical changes in the child over time. Growth happens no matter what.

Development:Psychological, biological and

social changes over time. Development is affected by the environment and your genetics.

What is Biology?

The study of how you grow and develop that is determined by your ancestors, GENETICS

…. but not accounted for in your environment

Hair, eye, skin color Body size, height and shape Predisposition to disease or illness

How do we know what changes will occur during a person’s life?

Many researchers have studied growth and development over the life span

Their research has lead to theories of growth and development

Research is a planned process to find out what happens

When it typically happens

how this affects that

what should or should not be done

Theories are based on research conclusions.

Theories provide interpretations of facts that guide actions and decisions

GrowthDevelopment

BiologyResearch

Theory

So, what do we do with …

We ensure optimal development!

Select effective approaches for raising and educating children

Think critically about growth and development

What do we want children to know and be able to do?

So, what approach should we take?

Parents are a child’s

first teacher

We grow up within a culture Culture is the “way” of a group

of people Their language Their dress Their symbols Their beliefs Their practices Their laws

Your culture transmits “who you are” to others

Every parent has a role to fill, based on their culture, what they value, and who they are

Parental roles often conflict with personal desires, work or other commitments What a Jewel of a Dad!

The Role of Parents

Table Talk - 5 minutes

What are some of the roles your parent(s) filled when you were a child.

Describe a time when your parents made a sacrifice for you because they cared about your growth and development.

What experiences do parents offer to teach children how to be responsible for others?

Summary: Children grow up over time

Development is affected by biology, genetics culture and environment

Family structure and parental level of responsibility affects development