Human Growth and Development

Terms Child Development: The study of a child from conception to age 18 –The Five Stages of Development are: Infancy: birth to 12 months Toddler: 12 months to 3 years Preschool: 3 years to 6 years School age: 6 years to 12 years Adolescents: 13 years to 18 years Growth: A child’s physical increase in size or amount is easily observed Development: The ability of a child to do things that are complex and difficult

Laws of Growth and Development Growth proceeds from head to foot (Cephalo=head, Caudal=tail): lift head, pick up objects, walk to objects Growth proceeds from near to far (proximal- distal) from body trunk outward: scoot body, wave arms, pick up objects Growth proceeds from simple to the complex: sleeping, being fed, holding the bottle, feeding self Growth is continuous and orderly: both legs grow at the same time and rate

Areas of Growth and Development Physical Social Emotional Moral Intellectual (cognitive)

Characteristics of Human Growth and Development Similar in all humans: babies all over the world follow the same pattern of development. Ex. Babbling, language imitation, … Sequential: Earlier development is necessary before new development: lifting head, rolling over, standing, walking Individualized:Every child develops at their own pace Interrelated: all areas of development work together and and reinforce each other Continuous: We continue to grow and learn throughout life

The 5 Areas of Growth and Development Physical –Growth of body tissues –Bones, muscles, organs, and body systems generally become bigger and more able to perform complex actions –Fine motor skills, based on the growth of small muscles, and gross motor skills, based on the growth of large muscles, becomes more sophisticated –Human contact, nutrition, hygiene, exercise and rest contribute to healthy growth and development

Social –Progresses from being completely self-centered and dependant to becoming an independent adult –Learn to behave in socially acceptable ways –Mature social skills develop: make and keep friends, intimate relationships, getting along with others, leadership, individual and team work –These skills are built on self-confidence, co- operation, and a sense of trust, which states with a secure and loving relationship with caregivers

Emotional Development –Developing positive feelings about oneself, family, friends, other individuals, and the world –There are three different temperaments Sensitive: react intensely to their environment and cry easily Placid: children are easygoing and more content Aggressive: respond to and interact with their environment more vigorously and are more wakeful –Caregivers need to respond with warmth and be supportive regardless of their temperament

Moral –The development of right and wrong –Developing the conscience - thoughts, feelings, and behaviors –Concepts of justice, rights and responsibilities, and fairness –Caregivers influence this development through their example, explanations of, and attitude toward ethical and unethical behavior –Children learn to tell the truth if they are certain their parents are always truthful

Intellectual –Cognitive science - the study of how we learn –Learning depends on brain growth as well as stimulation of the brain and central nervous system by the 5 senses –Learning to communicate, think, be creative, focus their attention, solve problems, and make judgements –The earliest years are crucial –Children need supportive, warm, nurturing, and sensitive interactions

Questions What is human growth and development? Describe and give examples of the five ways in which human beings grow and develop Explain why knowledge of human growth and develop is valuable for all adults?

The Role of Nurture in Human Development Healthy and positive human development depends on nurturing relationships 3 Key elements of a nurturing relationship The nature of these change based on age/needs –Comfort: acknowledge a child’s discomfort and offer an appropriate response: rocking and soothing for infants, calming words for an older child –Play: Exercises a growing mind and body and provides ways to express emotions, develop social abilities, and moral thinking - also builds the relationship with caregivers –Teach: the know-how to accomplish tasks - how to go up and down stairs safely, or teach an adolescent how to calmly re-start a stalled car

Ex. Of all 3 at work –A trip to the zoo may teach the names of the animals, play a game by imitating the sounds of the geese, and offer comfort when a goat frightens the child… –Chart of Functional Milestones

Questions In your opinion, is one area of growth and development more important than others? Explain Which area of development is easiest to identify in children? Explain Describe a parent-child activity for any age level in which a parent uses all the comfort, play and teach elements appropriately for the child’s age level.