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.