Modern Studies of Child Development Psychology

COURSE : INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY (PSY 150) CREDIT HOURS : 3 CREDITS SEMESTER/SESSION : 2st SEMESTER, 2021/2022 SESSION PREPARED BY : ROBIN ARKIN LECTURE NOTES Learning About Early Childhood Development Child development at an early age is a very important stage in a person's life, because at this time most of the early development occurs in various aspects of a child's life. Early childhood is generally considered to be the ages of 0 to 5 years, and in this period, children experience significant physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Physical development at an early age includes physical growth and motor development. Babies at an early age can do simple movements, such as grasping objects and reaching for toys. At about 2-3 years old, children usually start walking, then at 4-5 years old they start running and jumping. In addition, during this period, children experience the development of the nervous system and senses which allow them to obtain information from the environment and process it more effectively. Cognitive development at an early age involves developing the ability to think and solve problems. At first, babies can only respond to simple stimuli, such as sound or touch. At the age of 2-3 years, children usually begin to learn about colors, shapes and sizes, and recognize numbers and letters. At the age of 4-5 years, children begin to develop more complex thinking skills, such as solving problems and planning actions. Social and emotional development at an early age involves the development of social skills and the ability to manage emotions. Children at an early age usually build emotional bonds with their caregivers, and then begin to learn about social interactions with their peers. At the age of 34 years, children begin to learn about social rules and norms, as well as the ability to control their behavior. At the age of 4-5 years, children begin to expand the scope of friendship and learn about cooperation and empathy. Language development at an early age involves developing the ability to speak and understand language. Babies at an early age start making sounds and then start to develop their vocabulary. At the age of 2-3 years, children usually begin to use language to express themselves and understand simple instructions. At the age of 4-5 years, children begin to develop more complex language skills, such as using verbs and adjectives, and understanding grammar rules. Development at an early age is very important because this period is a critical period in the development of a child's brain. Children who get sufficient and appropriate stimulation, their brains will function properly The Process of Early Childhood Development The process of early childhood development includes various aspects such as physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and language. The following is a more detailed explanation of the development process for each of these aspects: 1. Physical development At first, babies are only able to make simple movements such as grasping objects and reaching for toys. However, at about 2-3 years old, children usually begin to learn to walk, then at 4-5 years they begin to run and jump. In addition, during this period, children experience the development of the nervous system and senses which allow them to obtain information from the environment and process it more effectively. 2. Cognitive development At first, babies can only respond to simple stimuli, such as sound or touch. At the age of 2-3 years, children begin to learn about colors, shapes and sizes, and recognize numbers and letters. At the age of 4-5 years, children begin to develop more complex thinking skills, such as solving problems and planning actions. 3. Social and emotional development Children at an early age usually build emotional bonds with their caregivers, and then begin to learn about social interactions with their peers. At the age of 3-4 years, children begin to learn about social rules and norms, as well as the ability to control their behavior. At the age of 4-5 years, children begin to expand the scope of friendship and learn about cooperation and empathy. 4. Language development Babies at an early age start making sounds and then start to develop their vocabulary. At the age of 2-3 years, children usually begin to use language to express themselves and understand simple instructions. At the age of 4-5 years, children begin to develop more complex language skills, such as using verbs and adjectives, and understanding grammar rules. The process of development in each of these aspects occurs in stages and is interrelated. For example, a child's motor development that allows him to walk and jump also affects his cognitive and social development. Children who can move more smoothly and independently tend to have better social and cognitive abilities. In addition, environmental influences and parenting styles are also very important in the process of early childhood development. Children who get sufficient and appropriate stimulation from their environment, such as toys that build motor skills, or interactions with peers.