COURSE: Early Childhood Education I UNIT B Child Development Birth to Age Twelve

Understand principles and domains of child development,

COMPETENCY: 4.00 B2 21% developmental characteristics of children, and theories of
child development.
OBJECTIVE: 4.02 B2 7% Understand developmental characteristics of children.

Essential Question: What are some developmental characteristics of children at various ages?

UNPACKED CONTENT
Developmental characteristics are behaviors and attributes that are typical for an age group of children.
Knowledge of these characteristics enables early childhood professionals to plan appropriate programs,
curricula, and activities. Here are some types of behaviors/attributes often addressed in developmental
characteristics for the six domains of child development.
Physical Development and Health
Average height and weight Hand-to-mouth coordination
Reflexes, types of body movements, Vision, eye-hand coordination
degree of body coordination Mobility
Ability to lift, support, move head Fine and gross motor skills
Abilities with hands Self-help skills
Language Development and Communication
Questioning
Vocalizations, sounds, cries, laughter
Connecting words with people, things
Use of facial expressions, gestures, and
other body language to communicate Reading, writing, speaking, and
listening skills
Approaches to Learning
Responses; appreciation of beauty Desire for independence
Signs of curiosity, interest, creative thinking Attempts to solve problems
Recognition of familiar things Length of attention span
Cognitive Development
Preferences Imitation
Recognition of people, things Following and finding things
Development of memory; anticipation Interest in books, TV, computer, etc.
Emotional Development
Reactions to positive and negative factors Demonstrations of feelings
Ability to calm oneself, manage feelings Emerging fears
Social Development
Understanding of self in relation to others Evidence of desire for social contact
Styles of play, interactions with others Evidence of trust; search for approval
Signs of concern, affection Testing limits