Birth Through Childhood (2:02) Click here to launch video Click here to download print activity

Infancy and childhood are times of great changes and growth.

developmental tasks autonomy scoliosis

Childhood Each child passes through four stages of development during infancy and childhood. Our lives can be divided into eight developmental stages. The first four stages occur during infancy and childhood.

Childhood Each of the eight stages is associated with certain developmental tasks. Developmental tasks Events that need to happen in order for a person to continue growing toward becoming a healthy, mature adult

Childhood Infancy: Birth to 12 Months  Opens and closes hands  May begin associating sounds with objects  Imitates new word sounds  May walk a few steps  Experiences the five basic emotions  Forms strong attachment to parents  Begins to smile  Wants companionship  Enjoys company of other children  Begins experiencing stranger anxiety  Shows strong likes and dislikes

Childhood Early Childhood: Ages 1-3  Walks well  Picks up objects without losing balance  Throws balls overhead, but inaccurately  Draws recognizable pictures  Begins showing defiance, disagreement  Behaves affectionately  May wish to help adults  Begins being bothered by fears  Desires approval  Bosses other children  Takes part in group activities

Childhood Middle Childhood: Ages 4-6  Dresses and undresses  Uses utensils to eat for most foods  Becomes more independent  Eager to explore the larger world  Craves praise and approval  Self-confidence grows  Begins forming friendships  Becomes more outgoing and talkative  Respects others’ belongings  May want to do things their own way

Childhood Late Childhood: Ages 7-12  Puberty may begin  Sensitivity about body image may begin  Develops sense of self  Recognizes unique personality traits  Sense of competence develops  Becomes aware of dangers in the world  Deeper friendships develop  Relationships with parents change  Begins facing moral decisions  Peer pressure becomes stronger

Infancy Infancy is the time of fastest growth in a person’s life.

Early Childhood During early childhood, children begin to develop a sense of autonomy. Autonomy The confidence that a person can control his or her own body, impulses, and environment.

Middle Childhood During middle childhood, children learn to initiate play. Children at this stage must be taught to recognize emotions and practice expressing them in appropriate ways.

Late Childhood School becomes an important part of a child’s life during late childhood. Children learn to get along with their peers, learn about different roles in society, and develop a conscience at this stage.

Childhood Health Screenings Many screening tests are performed in childhood to monitor the health and growth of a child. Health screenings and immunizations can identify and prevent many problems that can affect development.

Vision and Hearing Vision and hearing impairments can affect a child’s ability to learn. Health screenings can be used to identify and diagnose conditions that can impair development and learning.

Vision and Hearing Scoliosis may begin in childhood and go unnoticed until a child is a teenager. Scoliosis An abnormal lateral, or side-to-side, curvature of the spine

Other Screenings Children are screened for lead poisoning yearly until age four. Blood pressure screenings begin after age three.

After You Read Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary Sample answer: In early childhood, children learn to walk, pick up and throw objects, draw, initiate play, and participate in group activities. They are eager to learn and gain a sense of autonomy. 1.What are some developmental tasks children learn in early childhood?

After You Read Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary 2.What is an important part of a child’s life during late childhood? Sample answer: School is an important part of a child’s life during late childhood. At school a child learns to get along with peers and learns different social roles.

After You Read Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary 3.What is scoliosis? Scoliosis is an abnormal side-to-side curvature of the spine that is more common in girls.