Growth & Development

Child Development Theorists The study of child development is based on research Theory: a belief Is there a consensus on how to apply child development theories and research findings?

Basic Areas of child development Physical Emotional Social Cognitive (intellectual) Moral

Five General Rules Development is similar for each individual Growth proceeds from head to foot Development build upon earlier learning Sequence Development proceeds at an individual rate The different areas are interrelated Development is continuous throughout life

Influences on development Why do children develop at different rates? Remember: development is similar for everyone, but it proceeds at proceeds at different rates Nature vs Nurture Is it our biology, do we come that way? Or is it how we are raised, our environment?

Influences on development Heredity: biological transfer of characteristics from earlier generations. “Nature” Blood Type Eye Color Hair Color How can nature affect a developing child?

Influences on Development Environment: people, places and things that surround and influence a person. “Nurture” Family Home School Community How can nurture affect a developing child?

Nurturing and Clay Nurturing is like sculpting A young child is very pliable, like clay We can mold and shape it as we wish However, after very long, the clay begins to dry and the child begins to grow up and maintains the form you’ve made That is how nurturing affects a child’s development

How to promote Nurturing Nourishment Support Encouragement Unconditional Love

Lack of Nurturing Orphans' Lonely Beginnings Reveal How Parents Shape A Child's Brain (NPR audio clip) http://www.npr.org/sections/health- shots/2014/02/20/280237833/orphans-lonely-beginnings-reveal-how- parents-shape-a-childs-brain

Bonding The formation of close emotional ties These emotional ties are formed between parents and the newborn soon after birth Bonding is critical to a newborn child

Creating a Bonding Experience Just after birth, physical contact. “Skin to Skin”. Baby is placed on mothers chest. Long, loving looks Critical to the bonding process Animated face and voice

Importance of Bonding Safety and Trust Children feel safe when they trust their parents and caretakers

Influences on development What would be the outcome if a child did not receive adequate nurturing?

Lack of Nurturing Failure to thrive or attachment disorder A condition in which babies fail to grow and develop properly Suffer slower cognitive development Fails to respond to people and objects Cries weaken, smiles fade, becomes withdrawn As adults, difficult to form meaningful relationships

Nurturing Throughout Life As humans, we crave nurturing and love from other human beings How do the following groups need nurturing? Infants Children Teenagers Adults Elderly