Studying Children Imagine spending your entire career doing research on child development. Generate a list of topics that should be covered. By the time you retire, do you think you could solve all of it’s mysteries?

Objectives: n Explain why childhood is an important time of development n Compare and contrast the leading theories about how children develop n Identify five characteristics of child development n Defend the idea that heredity and environment are equally important in child development n List stages of development after adulthood n Describe how self-esteem and development are interrelated

Why is Childhood Crucial? n Time of preparation for adulthood n Early childhood is most important life stage for brain development

Brain Development n At birth, the brain is the least developed organ n Baby’s brain is about ¼ the size of an adults n Babies’ brains develop in response to stimulation –Arousal of baby’s five senses –Develop more quickly and have a more secure self-image

Developing Brain n Newborns’ brains contain about 100 billion nerve cells – neurons n Neurons have about 50 trillion connections n Connections increase rapidly n By 3, a child has twice as many connections as an adult n As a child matures, unused pathways are eliminated n Babies who are stimulated more retain more connections

Theories About Development n Provided valuable information about how children learn and develop skills n Not everyone agrees on how theories and research finding should be applied n Have given insight about how best to nurture and educate children n Laid the foundation for future researchers to build upon

5 Characteristics of Development 1. Development is similar for each individual n Ex. Babies will lift their heads before lifting their bodies 2. Development builds upon early learning  Development follows a sequence  Skills learned at one stage build on those mastered earlier

5 Characteristics of Development 3. Development proceeds at an individual rate  Each child moves at their own pace 4. Different areas of development are interrelated  Changes occur in many areas at the same time – body, mind, emotions 5. Development is a lifelong process  Rate of development varies, but never stops

Lifelong Growth and Development n Human life cycle – development from birth to death n Each stage of cycle present different challenges or skills to be acquired – Developmental tasks n Mastering the task at one stage prepare people for the next

Development Beyond Childhood n Adolescences – between childhood and adulthood –Creating an identity, becoming independent, pursuing education and career options n Young Adult – twenties –Finish education, begin working, marriage n Thirties –Establishing roots, reevaluating life choices, finding stability

Development Beyond Childhood n Middle Age – 40 to 55 –Children become more independent –Satisfaction with life? If not, make changes n Late Adult – 55 to 75 –Retirement, grandchildren, health issues may arise n Very Late Adult – 75+ –Health problems become more common –Contribute knowledge and expertise to society

Role of Self - Esteem n Self-esteem – value people place on themselves (self-worth) n Affects people’s ability to face challenges at each developmental stage n Lower self esteem = poor school performance, truancy, criminal behavior n Higher self esteem = enthusiasm for learning, form friendships, make healthy choices n Help’s children deal with life’s frustrations, disappointments & successes

Tips to Help Children Develop Self-Esteem n Give Praise n Don’t be Overly Critical n Set Realistic Goals n Encourage New Activities n Model Self-Esteem n Be Honest About Mistakes

Think About It: 1. Identify characteristics of someone with high self-esteem. Then with low self-esteem. 2. Think of a time when someone’s criticism lowered your self-esteem. How might that person have encouraged you instead?

Summary: n Childhood is a time of preparation for adulthood. n Much of the brain’s development occurs early in life, and stimulation furthers brain development. n Although no theorists agree on the development of children each has provided us with insight on how to nurture and educate them. n Development doesn’t stop. It continues throughout our entire life cycle. n Self-esteem plays a major role in how a child develops.