RE8 DEFINITION: A Gyst of Development

As a student majoring in Family Life and Child Development, one of the important and essential concepts that I should be familiar with is development, particularly child development, since I am a future teacher in the UP Child Development Center where the ultimate aim is the child’s development.

Development is often confused with growth. Development refers to the qualitative and progressive series of orderly and coherent changes. Examples are learning to walk or learning to talk.  Growth, however, refers to the quantitative changes in size and structure. Examples are change in height, change in head circumference or change in proportions of the body.

Development has three particular domains namely the Physical, the Cognitive and the Social and Emotional domain. All these domains have to be harnessed simultaneously so that a child can develop properly. The Physical domain includes the fine and gross motor skills. Fine motor skills are what a child can do with his hand or small motor skills, while gross motor skills involve big muscles like running. For the Cognitive domain, it includes changes in a child’s intellectual abilities, memory, problem solving and creativity. Lastly, the Social and Emotional domain involves a child’s interaction and relationship with his peers and adults.

Child development is divided into four periods wherein for each period, a child must accomplish certain milestones because if these milestones aren’t met, then a child is advised to have a check-up with a developmental specialist. The four periods of development include the Prenatal Period, Infancy and Toddlerhood, Early Childhood and Middle Childhood. The Prenatal Period begins from conception to birth. This is a period of rapid physical change for the baby inside his mommy’s womb. Next, Infancy and Toddlerhood starts from birth to 2 years old. This period includes the dramatic change across domains. Afterwards, Early Childhood begins from 2 years old to 6 years old where a child’s motor skills become more refined, and where he enjoys make-believe play and building ties with peers. Lastly, Middle Childhood starts from 6 years old to 11 years old where a child learns how to be a part of a larger environment and masters responsibilities and skills.

Development doesn’t stop there. It can get really complicated. As we go through it, we tackle the different theories regarding child development and more. But little by little, as FLCD major, I am sure that I can master all the concepts regarding development.