1. Intellectual Development of Infants
Chapter 9

2. Early Learning Abilities
During the first year of life, children undergo a greater change than they ever will again.
Signs of Intellectual Growth
Remembering Experiences
Making Associations
Understanding Cause and Effect
Paying Attention (attention span)

3. Stimulating the Senses
Taste – stimulated as he or she is fed
Sight – stimulated with mobiles hung 12” away, brightly colored objects, soft stuffed toys with large eyes and smiles
Hearing – recognize voices, calm loving voice, talking, reading singing and humming – build language development
Touch – stimulated as he or she is changed, being cuddled, rocked and patted – builds sense of trust and security

4. Periods of Learning Jean Piaget
Sensorimotor – birth to 2 years; children learn through their senses and own actions.
Preoperational – 2 to 7 years; children think in terms of their own activities and what they perceive at the moment.
Concrete Operations – 7 to 11 years; children can think logically but still learn best through experience.
Formal Operations – 11 to adult; people are capable of abstract thinking.

5. Object permanence – concept that objects will continue to exist, even when they are out of sight.
Imaginative play – pretending (18-24 months)
Symbolic thinking – the use of words and numbers to stand for ideas. This is the foundation of reading.

6. Encouraging Learning
Depends on the attention, knowledge, and time that parents and other caregivers can give to the child.
Learn about child development
Age appropriate – suitable for the age and individual needs of a child
Give the child time and attention
Provide positive feedback
Express love
Read
Talk, talk, talk

7. Developing Communication
Communicating without words
Different cries, pushing food away, clinging to a parent, giggles
Sign language – no, eat, more, milk, dog
Learning to Speak
Use simple words – but not baby talk
First words – 8-15 months
Reading teaches speech – children need to hear speech and learn that sounds have meanings before they can develop language skills of their own.

8. The Importance of Play
Birth to Three Months – bright colors, moving objects, interesting sounds
Four to Six Months – things to touch, handle, bang, shake, suck and chew. Toys that squeak or make noise.
Seven to Nine Months – all of the things above plus blocks, balls, large plastic beads that pop apart and toys that can be kicked or pushed. Pots and pans with lids…
Ten to Twelve Months – push or pull toys; manipulatives –to work with the hands (containers)

9. Choosing Toys
Usefulness – household items vs expensive educational toys
Look for ones that will be interesting and appropriate for a number of years
Safety – choking hazard