Why is Childhood Crucial  -time of preparation  -brain develops connections  -stimulation and play Play: 1)Physically-help large muscles grow, learn to control small muscles 2)Socially-alone~>group 3)Emotionally-work through challenges 4)Morally-follow rules, learn to share 5)Intellectually-language, balance, organize

Group Activity  Agree on a play activity or toy that you enjoyed as a child.  How does this play activity benefit children in at least 3 of the 5 areas described?  Make a chart detailing your findings.

Why Study Children?  To better understand why children act, feel, and think  Behaviors-ways of acting or responding  To understand the importance of caregivers  To gain skills  To understand yourself  To build for the future

Childhood Past and Present  Work  Play  Education  Health  Dress  Parental love

Characteristics of Development

5 Characteristics of Development  similar for everyone  Same stages, same order  builds on earlier learning  Sequence- step by step pattern  proceeds at an individual rate  different areas are interrelated  continuous throughout life

Influences of Development  Heredity- passing of characteristics  Environment- people, places, and things

Development After Childhood  Developmental tasks- meeting challenges and mastering task to prepare for the next stage  Adolescence  1) Finding your identity  2) Becoming independent  3) Planning for your life’s work  Self-esteem- how you value yourself

Observing Children  1) better understand their development  2) learn about the individual  3) identify those who have special needs or disabilities  4) gives you feedback about your own approach to parenting or teaching