Studying ChildrenImagine 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: Explain why childhood is an important
time of development Compare and contrast the leading
theories about how children develop Identify five characteristics of child
development Defend the idea that heredity and
environment are equally important in child development
List stages of development after adulthood
Describe how self-esteem and development are interrelated
Why is Childhood Crucial?
Time of preparation for adulthood Early childhood is most important
life stage for brain development
Brain Development
At birth, the brain is the least developed organ
Baby’s brain is about ¼ the size of an adults
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 Newborns’ brains contain about 100
billion nerve cells – neurons Neurons have about 50 trillion
connections Connections increase rapidly By 3, a child has twice as many
connections as an adult As a child matures, unused
pathways are eliminated Babies who are stimulated more
retain more connections
Theories About Development
Provided valuable information about how children learn and develop skills
Not everyone agrees on how theories and research finding should be applied
Have given insight about how best to nurture and educate children
Laid the foundation for future researchers to build upon
5 Characteristics of Development
1. Development is similar for each individual
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
Human life cycle – development from birth to death
Each stage of cycle present different challenges or skills to be acquired – Developmental tasks
Mastering the task at one stage prepare people for the next
Development Beyond Childhood
Adolescences – between childhood and adulthood– Creating an identity, becoming
independent, pursuing education and career options
Young Adult – twenties– Finish education, begin working,
marriage Thirties
– Establishing roots, reevaluating life choices, finding stability
Development Beyond Childhood
Middle Age – 40 to 55– Children become more independent– Satisfaction with life? If not, make
changes Late Adult – 55 to 75
– Retirement, grandchildren, health issues may arise
Very Late Adult – 75+– Health problems become more
common– Contribute knowledge and expertise
to society
Role of Self - Esteem Self-esteem – value people place on
themselves (self-worth) Affects people’s ability to face
challenges at each developmental stage
Lower self esteem = poor school performance, truancy, criminal behavior
Higher self esteem = enthusiasm for learning, form friendships, make healthy choices
Help’s children deal with life’s frustrations, disappointments & successes
Tips to Help Children Develop Self-Esteem
Give Praise Don’t be Overly Critical Set Realistic Goals Encourage New Activities Model Self-Esteem 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: Childhood is a time of preparation for
adulthood. Much of the brain’s development occurs
early in life, and stimulation furthers brain development.
Although no theorists agree on the development of children each has provided us with insight on how to nurture and educate them.
Development doesn’t stop. It continues throughout our entire life cycle.
Self-esteem plays a major role in how a child develops.