CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Definition:

Changes in a child that occurs over time.

Changes follow an orderly pattern that moves
toward greater complexity and enhances
survival.

Periods of development:

Prenatal period: from conception to birth

Infancy and toddlerhood: birth to 2 years
Early childhood: 2-6 years old
Middle childhood: 6-12 years old
Adolescence: 12-19 years old

DOMAINS OF
DEVELOPMENT
Development is described in three domains, but
growth
in one domain influences the other domains.

Physical Domain

body size
body proportions
appearance
brain development
motor development
perception capacities
physical health

Cognitive Domain
Social/Emotional Domain

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
Physical development refers to physical
body changes. It occurs in a relatively
stable, predictable sequence. It is
orderly, not random.
Changes in bone thickness, vision,
hearing, and muscle are all included.
Changes in size and weight are also part
of physical development.
Physical skills, such as crawling, walking
and writing are the result of physical

 These physical skills fall into two main categories:

Gross-motor development involves improvement of skills

using the large muscles in the legs and arms. Such activities
as running, skipping, and bike riding fall into this category.
Fine-motor development involves the small muscles of the
hands and fingers.
Grasping, holding, cutting, and drawing are some activities
that require fine motor
development.
Environmental factors also affect what children can do
physically. These factors include proper nutrition and
appropriate toys and activities.

BASIC PRINCIPLES IN
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
1. Development starts from the head
down to the legs
2. The growth direction starts from middle
part of the body and proceed outwards
3. The childs ability becomes clear and
specific
4. The physical aspect develops at
different stages

Prenatal
( germinal - embryo- foetus )

 PRENATAL
i. Germinal
.This phase starts from fertilization until
zygote is attached to the wall of womb
.It will take about two weeks
.The zygote will later undergo a dividing
process called mitosis
.Genes contain the DNA. It causes the
traits and genetics of an individual to be
different except identical twins who
shares the same zygote

ii. Embryo
The second phase of prenatal development
From third week until eight week after fertilization
In week four, the brain, eyes, ears and mouth
starts shaping
In week eight, the embryo has basic organ
systems, features, fingers and legs
The umbilical cord carry important role during this
phase
Development progresses very rapidly at this
phase

iii. Foetus
This phase starts from third month of
pregnancy until birth
The main organs increase in size, the
muscle and the nervous system starts to
develop
There is a lot of development from third
month until the six month
At this stage also the weight and length
increases
The foetus will move its position with its

INFANT
(birth 2 years)

 Growth and development of the infant for the first two

years is rapid
Babys weight increases about 10kg and the height
about 40cm
The size and complexity of the brain increases
The milk teeth can be seen at the lower gum when the
child is between six to eight months
The baby starts to show their autonomy and strength
by the body movement like crawling, turning the body
and walking.
At the same time, fine motor sensors (fingers) allows
child to hold and coordinate the hands
By the end of second year, the child is able to do
complex activities like holding a crayon and drawing

IMPLICATION TO THE TEACHING AND

LEARNING PROCESS OF A BABY
The stimulus for visual and hearing is
necessary for the brain to organize
the information.
If do not receive any stimulus the
child brain development ay be
affected.

Early childhood
( 2 6 years )

 At this stage, physical growth is slower than the

earlier stage.
Height is twice as compared to during birth and
the body weight may be four times more.
Developing of the bigger muscle while the fine
muscle will not develop fully at this stage.
Girls growth rate > boys growth rate.
The psychomotor ability will develop in
sequence like the children able to run before
they can play using rollerskates.

childhood
( 7 12 years )

 Growth and development rate is

stable but will be at slower pace.
At this stage, the permanent teeth
starts to replace the milk teeth.
Girls height (8-10 years old and
reaches its peak at 12 years old).
Boys height (10-12 years old and
will reach maximum height at 15).

 When approach puberty, they seem

to be stronger and more focused
The fine muscle are more develop,
the eyes coordinate better and the
hands are more develop.
Boys are more towards contact
games like rugby, football etc.

Implications on the teaching and

learning process
Children can be taught to play
musical instruments and arts.
Involve them in sports or games to
strengthen their muscle and develop
better body movement.
Inclucate healthy activities.
Teachers are advised to guide the
children when necessary.

 Avoid comparing them with each other.

Activities must take into account
childrens muscle development,
especially the smaller muscles that are
not yet developed.

Early adolescence
( 12-15 years)

 Growth and development rate is as

rapid as during infancy.
Physical changes in height,size and
body shapes begins towards
adulthood.
Changes in size for girls 1 or 2 years
before puberty.

 For male, when they attain puberty

their voices change, stronger body
and growing of hairs.
Muscle growth is obvious is male
than female.

Implication on the teaching and

learning
Activities such as seminar or
counselling can help the early
adolescence to accept oneself and
their body changes.
Prepare exercise to help them build
strength and body resistance.
Develop consciousness in healthy life
style.
Plan healthy social activities that are
interesting.

 Separate changing rooms for both

sex.
Reduce opportunities for the girls to
be observed by the boys during
physical exercises.
Prepare talks and courses on sexual
activities and the reproduction
system. This is to equip them with
knowledge of the physiological
changes in them.
Allow them to discuss and ask
questions.

The
end.