Human Development: Physical, Cognitive

and Social Growth

Dr.Kanwal Fatima
 Theorists
Jean Piaget (1896-1980) – was the first to suggest
children’s understanding of the world is profoundly
different from adults
Erik Erikson (1902-1994), Organized life into eight
stages that extend from birth to death (many
developmental theories only cover childhood). Since
adulthood covers a span of many years, Erikson
divided the stages of adulthood into the experiences of
young adults, middle aged adults and older adults.
Kohlberg (1927-1987) Borrowing from Piagets'
theory of cognitive development, Kohlberg
believes that children classify behavior as
acceptable or unacceptable based for their
gender and based on what they perceive to be
related or unrelated to their schema for their
gender.
Infants
 Birth-6 Month Development
 Physical
• Most movements are reflexes
• Nervous system not fully developed
• Can clearly see objects 10 inches from face
 Social/Emotional
• Develops trust as basic needs are met
• Cries as way of communicating anger, pain, and hunger
• May smile in response to pleasant sound or someone
familiar
• May laugh by 4 months
 Intellectual/Cognitive
• Babbles, coos, and turns to locate source of sounds
• Studies hands and feet
• Explores objects with mouth
• Follows moving objects with eyes
• No “object permanence” ability
 6-12 Month Development
 Physical
• Sleeps and eats at more regular times
• Most can sit unassisted
• Most begin crawling
• Can pick up objects with thumb and forefinger
• Pulls up to standing position; may walk
 Social/Emotional
• Responds to name
• Begins to fear strangers and being left by parents
• Shows anger when needs not met in timely manner
• Begins learning what is and what is not allowed
 Intellectual/Cognitive
• Responds to simple directions
• Looks for things not in sight
• Engages in pretend play
 1 Year-18 Month Development
 Physical
• Walks alone; may run
• Pushes/pulls objects
• Moves to music
 Social/Emotional
• Enjoys looking at books
• Laughs at funny things
• Responds to verbal requests
 Intellectual/Cognitive
• Understands words in context
• Understands cause and effect
• Remembers caregivers when out of sight
Have a blessed Friday.