EARLY CHILDHOOD

Physical Milestone 1. In this age range children can jump, hop, walk up stairs, pedal and steer a tricycle. 2. They can throw and catch with slight involvement of their upper body. Language Milestone 1. Children this age understand metaphors based on concrete, sensory comparisons. 2. These children begin to grasp illocutionary intent, what a person intends to do. 3. They can adjust their speech to a listeners perspective and to social expectations. Cognitive Milestone 1. Preschoolers can distinguish animate beings from inanimate objects. 2. They can categorize objects on the basis of common function, behavior, and natural kind. 3. Children at this age can also use logic to find solutions. Atypical Milestone 1. Not being able to draw a circle or strait line may suggest atypical development. 2. Children who do not participate in make believe play may suggest atypical development. 3. Children who do not play with others may suggest atypical development. Social/Cultural Influences 1. Not having safe environments to live, learn or play in can cause cognitive, emotional, social and physically developmental problems. 2. Cultural norms such as diet (malnutrition) can affect the way a child functions and physically develop. Influential Strategies 1. Parents should restrict TV viewings with violent content for young children. 2. Parents should provide open ended suggestions and questions to promote conversational strategies. 3. Parents and teachers should provide a sufficient space area and materials for children to use to enhance their explorative capabilities.
References Berk, L. E. (2013).Child development. (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.