CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT

YOUR CHILD FROM BIRTH TO 6 MONTHS

From Newborn to Baby:

SOCIAL

Typically can:

• Respond to own mirror image.
• Offer a toy to another person.
• Socially smile at another person.
• Try to imitate facial expressions and gestures.

Emerging Skills:

• Disturbed by strangers.
• Enjoy interactive games like peek-a-boo.

COGNITIVE

Typically can:

• Enjoy examining and banging objects.
• Remain alert for two hours at a time.
• Create changes in objects by looking at them upside down or farther away.

Emerging skills:

• Searches for a toy that is covered up.
• Remembers that an object is hidden and search for it.
• Looks for a dropped object.
• Begins to enjoy clowning around.
• Uses several senses at once.

LANGUAGE

Typically can:

• Cry
• Coo, chuckle, gurgle when happy
• Begin to make vowel and consonant combinations
• Vary volume, pitch, rate of utterance

Emerging skills:

• Begins to babble.
• Responds to some words (eg. " no no ").
• Imitates two or three familiar gestures such as pat-a-cake.
• Turns in response to name.

EMOTIONAL

Typically can:

• Begin to quiet down on his/her own after getting upset.
• Express many emotions: sadness, anger, happiness and excitement.
• Check out parent and touch face as if memorizing it.
• Show mood changes that tend to be rapid.

Emerging skills:

• Has a special toy that always goes to bed with him/her.
• Sleeps for longer periods at night.

GROSS MOTOR

Typically can:

• Sit with slight support.
• Lift head and pull to sitting position when hand held.
• Turn from back to stomach and from stomach to back.
• Turn head freely.
• Sit in chair and bounce.

Emerging skills:

• Takes weight on feet when held in standing position.
• Takes early stepping movements.
• Gets into creeping or crawling position.
• Appears to be dancing when straightens one leg at a time in upright position.

FINE MOTOR

Typically can:

• Move toy from hand to hand.
• Hold toys placed in both hands.
• Bang spoon placed in hand.
• Grasp table.
• Reach and grasp at objects with whole hand.

Emerging skills:

• Transfers toy from one hand to the other.
• Releases toy by dropping.
• Throws toy purposefully.
• Holds two blocks and looks for a third.
• Rotates wrist to turn and manipulate object.

Games and Activities for You & Your Baby

"Peek-a-boo" Games help babies develop memory for objects and people. The " I am going to get you" game is another game parents can play with baby which is guaranteed to delight and bring squeals of joy.

Rhymes & Songs give pleasure and comfort especially when coming from a familiar voice in a lyrical and repetitive chant.  Use any opportunity such as diapering, feeding or bathing as a chance to sing to your baby.

"Shake-Shake" toys that make noise will give your baby lots of stimulation and pleasure.  This encourages your child to initiate an activity and to learn from the immediate response the toy gives.

Rocking and jumping games entice your baby into music and rhythm, engaging his/her whole body.  For instance bouncing your baby gently on your lap while you sing " The Wheels on the Bus go Round and Round ".

YOUR CHILD FROM 6 TO 18 MONTHS

From Dependence to Independence:

SOCIAL

Typically can:

• Feed self but is still messy
• Imitate others
• Drink out of a cup
• Has no concept of sharing
• Fight limit setting
• Remain "egocentric" and think the world exists for him/her

Emerging skills:

• Pulls on pants
• Plays alongside another child

COGNITIVE

Typically can:

• Point to body parts
• Begin to pretend play
• Initiate activities
• Realize things exist when they are out-of-sight

Emerging skills:

• Sorts and matches things
• Distinguish colours and shapes
• Begins to understand the passing of time and the meaning of "when we go home", "not now " and "tomorrow "

LANGUAGE

Typically can:

• Say a few words
• Use gestures as well as show he/she wants something
• Understand simple instructions
• Follow one command

Emerging skills:

• Listens to a story
• Sings songs
• Understands far more words than will say

EMOTIONAL

Typically can:

• Be very curious and "get into things "
• Become more of an individual
• Be reluctant to change
• Be subject to mood swings and tantrums

Emerging skills:

• Concentrates on a task for some time
• Shows concern for others

GROSS MOTOR

Typically can:

• Walk alone
• Walk up and down stairs with hand held
• Throw a ball
• Sit down from standing
• "Dance" to music
• Ride on small-wheeled toys

Emerging skills:

• Steps backwards
• Steps sideways
• Begins to run
• Jumps and climb
• Seats self on a small chair

FINE MOTOR

Typically can:

• Place 10 cubes in a cup
• Grasp items with thumbs and forefinger
• Target small objects
• Stack 3 - 4 blocks
• Turn page of a book
• Scribble
• Fill and empty containers

Emerging skills:

• Folds paper
• Attempts simple puzzles
• Copies simple lines drawn on paper

Games & Activities For You and Your Baby

Movement games are important and great fun at this age and also help contribute to a strong sense of separateness and strength of the child's own body.  These games can include "dancing" to music, "follow the leader", riding toys and jumping jacks.

Pretend games can be introduced by songs and stories such as "Anybody Home", "Row-Row-Row Your Boat", and pretending to be a monster.  Make sure your monster is not too scary!

Language activities such as singing songs, nursery rhymes and verses or reading books introduce your child to familiar words and sounds.  Bounce him/her on your lap while you sing the songs and play the games.  Making animal and other familiar sounds and linking them to pictures will help your child put sounds, objects and pictures together.

Songs and rhymes should be fun and repeated often since children will gradually become familiar with tunes and words they hear frequently.

YOUR CHILD FROM 1 1/2 TO 2 1/2 YEARS

From Early Toddler to the Terrific Twos:

SOCIAL

Typically can:

• Play alongside another child with enjoyment.
• At times, get frustrated and bite, hit or pull hair.
• Recognize self and family in photograph.
• Be aware of sex differences.

Emerging skills:

• Shares a piece of food.
• Takes turns in a song or game.
• Begins to be toilet trained

COGNITIVE

Typically can:

• Understand "today" and "soon" but not "yesterday".
• Name parts of the body.
• Engage in pretend play with others.

Emerging skills:

• Counts up to five.
• Matches familiar objects by choice.
• Understands the concept of one.
• Groups things by form and size.

LANGUAGE

Typically can:

• Point to at least one body part.
• Name some pictures in a book.
• Repeat words.
• Use 2 - 4 word sentences.
• Follow simple commands.

Emerging skills:

• Sings simple songs.
• Uses personal pronouns such as "mine", "me" and "you".
• Expresses feelings verbally (e.g. " I am mad ").
• Uses size words correctly.

EMOTIONAL

Typically can:

• Be away from parents for a short time without being too upset.
• Show fear and be able to be settled down.
• Demand own way for much of the time.
• Be attached to cuddly or favourite toy.
• Be unhappy about any changes in routine.

Emerging skills:

• Learns to listen and follow simple directions.
• Names several emotions and identify them in others.

GROSS MOTOR

Typically can:

• Run without falling.
• Walk backward or sideways.
• Climb over furniture.
• Walk upstairs alternating feet.
• Walk along a line.
• Fit nesting cups inside of each other.

Emerging skills:

• Kicks a ball.
• Walks a few steps on tiptoe.
• Throws and retrieves objects.
• Jumps in place, both feet off the floor.
• Pedals a tricycle.

FINE MOTOR

Typically can:

• Take lids off jars.
• Draw  a vertical line.
• Build a tower of five blocks.
• Complete simple inset puzzle.

Emerging skills:

• Clutches pencil with whole hand.
• Holds brush and paints on paper.
• Uses small scissors to cut.
• Imitates folding paper in half.

Games and Activities For You and Your Toddler

Sorting games encourages your child to sort things into two containers by colour and shape

Sensory games lets your child feel things like a brush, prickly rubber toy, sponge, sandpaper, velvet, etc.  Have him/her match and name textures and objects.  Put them in a bag and have the child find and name them.

Creative activities such as colouring, painting, cutting and other creative opportunities offer a fun experience for your child.  These activities will encourage hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and give the child a sense of control.

Role-play by having a corner where your child can engage in make-believe play.  Join him/her in these role-plays and pretend games encouraging her/his imagination.

Playing with words lets your child expand his/her vocabulary.  Try to label familiar objects and actions and sing familiar songs.  Use picture books to label objects while also fostering an enjoyment for books.  Remember to give your child a chance to use all the new words being learned.

Your Child From 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 Years

From Terrific Twos to Delightful Threes:

SOCIAL

Typically can:

• Join in associative play with a group of peers
• Show empathy if not overwhelmed
• Complete toilet training
• Cooperate with dressing and undressing
• Enjoy being in a play group

Emerging skills:

• Share toys
• Cooperate in putting toys away
• Take turns
• Play games with simple rules

COGNITIVE

Typically can:

• Sort objects by colour and size
• Classify objects by purpose (e.g., to play with, to wear)
• Name one or more colours
• Count three objects
• Say name and part of address
• Understand time intervals better (e.g., today, tomorrow, yesterday)
• Differentiate boys and girls
• Understand cause and effect

Emerging skills:

• Count up to ten and understand number concepts up to three
• Use increasing number of pronouns and prepositions with understanding
• Understand "it is time to go"

LANGUAGE

Typically can:

• Use vocabulary of about 900 words
• Use language to get what is wanted
• Use language to express feelings
• Respond to simple instructions
• Use plurals and personal pronouns "I", "you", "me"
• Repeat three numbers
• Use five word sentences
• Repeat a few rhymes and songs
• Name pictures of familiar things in picture book

Emerging skills:

• Ask "what", "where", "who" questions
• Use parts of speech correctly
• Play with words in silly rhymes
• Use new and unfamiliar words

EMOTIONAL

Typically can:

• See things from another person's perspective
• Control aggression and tantrums at least part of the time
• Less upset by limits and discipline
• Understand and follow simple rules
• Be settled after nightmares more easily
• Sleep through the night

Emerging skills:

• Be much more even-tempered and cooperative with parents
• Keep room and toys in order
• Continually grow in independence and self-esteem
• Expand pretend play to gain control of frustrating and frightening experiences
• Play out adult roles in play

GROSS MOTOR

Typically can:

• Run 50 feet in under ten seconds
• Climb on jungle gym and other equipment
• Kick a ball
• With hand held, jump from height of 8 inches
• Stand on one foot with momentary balance
• Throw a small ball
• Get up from a squatting position without help

Emerging skills:

• Do standing broad jump for 12 inches
• Jump off ground with two-footed jump
• Hop on one foot for a few steps
• Use pedals to ride tricycle and steer to avoid obstacles
• Catch a large ball with arms extended
• Skip six times imitating another person

FINE MOTOR

Typically can:

• Copy a circle from a drawing
• Build a tower of nine blocks
• Place round, square and triangular blocks in a form board
• Complete an easy puzzle
• Copy a bridge of blocks from model

Emerging skills:

• Handle scissors and cut out
• Copy a cross
• Pull up zipper but cannot do buttons
• Screw lids on jars
• Carry liquids in a cup
• Put on shoes but not tie laces

Games & Activities For You and Your Child

Building and creative activities are loved by children whether with blocks or cardboard boxes.  You and your child can have a building centre with a variety of building materials including blocks, boxes and cardboard.  Messy play is fun too with water, clay, mud or sand.  Other activities include making and creating things with his/her hands.  Scissors, crayons and paints and paper are important tools for the preschool child!

Making a family album with a page for each member of the family can be fun.  Attach pictures of events or their favourite food, colour or activity to each page.

Matching and naming pictures can reinforce faces, colours, shapes, sizes and feelings.  Finding the same picture and naming it helps the child begin to put objects into different classes and enhances the beginning of abstract thinking.

Active games such as climbing, jumping and swinging are a natural for children.  Take advantage of nearby parks and safe areas where children can run around

Reading activities shared by you and your child provide a chance to enjoy familiar and new stories.  This is also a chance to introduce new words.

YOUR CHILD FROM 3 1/2 TO 4 1/2 YEARS

From Observer To Explorer:

SOCIAL

Typically can:

• Begin to grasp the concept of sharing
• Show attachment to one playmate
• Enjoy games with rules
• Show interest in sex differences and may undress with other children
• Enjoy dramatic play with others
• Takes turns
• Generally stop napping

Emerging skills:

• Show concern for younger or hurt person
• Be a team leader
• Play cooperatively in a group

COGNITIVE

Typically can:

• Point to six common shapes (e.g. star, triangle)
• Understand "nearest" and "longest"
• Recall events in recent past
• Begin to match pictures in simple lotto games
• Understand difference between reality and fantasy
• Count to five
• Distinguish something alive from an object

Emerging skills:

• Show interest in written word and letters
• Follow three simple instructions
• Understand complete sentences
• Understand number concepts to ten
• Sort objects by colour, shape and size
• Name five colours

LANGUAGE

Typically can:

• Play with language and make up new words
• Use average vocabulary of 2000 words
• Use correct grammatical structure
• Talk about imaginary conditions
• Use negatives (e.g., "I don't want to go")
• Understand the two prepositions "on top of " and "under"
• Carry a tune
• Use plural nouns (e.g., dogs)

Emerging skills:

• Ask questions of "Why" and "How"
• Recite nursery rhyme or sing a song
• Use past, present and future verbs (e.g. "talked", "talk" and "will talk")
• Understand top, middle and bottom
• Say most speech sounds accurately
• Be 80% understandable to people outside the family
• Use five or six word sentences
• Speak with grammatical correctness

EMOTIONAL

Typically can:

• Control frustration and anger much better
• Experience positive self-esteem and feel good about themselves and what they do
• Talk about feelings such as hungry, sleepy, not well
• Comply to requests from parents a greater percentage of the time
• Concentrate for up to 20 minutes
• Show strong interest and feelings for family
• Persevere on a difficult task for longer

Emerging skills:

• Show desire to fit into routines of homes
• Carry out small chores to fit into family and be responsible
• Show self-reflection (e.g., "What I said isn't nice")
• Understand and have positive and negative feelings about another person

GROSS MOTOR

Typically can:

• Walk on tiptoes for ten feet
• Balance on walking board
• Ride tricycle without bumping into things
• Enjoy throwing and catching games

• Move to music in rhythm
• Walk up and down stairs alternating feet

Emerging skills:

• Bounce on trampoline
• Carry out rudimentary galloping
• Jump down from a two foot height

FINE MOTOR

Typically can:

• Put large jigsaws together
• Cut with play scissors
• Paint with a large brush on large paper
• Toss bean bags into holes in targets
• Manipulate clay
• Draw a person with three parts
• Fold paper

Emerging skills:

• Button or unbutton buttons
• Cut on line with scissors
• Carry cup without spilling
• String small beads to make a necklace

Games & Activities For You and Your Child

Encourage your child to express language by:

• Sharing likes, dislikes and feelings
• Talking about big and little, fast and slow, near and far
• Having the child tell all she/he can about him/herself
• Pausing in a story and asking how the person may have been feeling
• Reading stories regularly

Rough-House games encourage children to have fun running and rolling, both inside and outside 4-year-olds need opportunities to run, climb, gallop and jump.  Outdoor time and just "getting the wiggles out" can be great for all the family.

Pretend play using your old clothing allows children to use their imagination and role-play.  Encourage pretend play by having dress-up clothes available and helping children to make up a play or a puppet act.

Fine motor activities such as painting, cutting, building with cubes, printing letters and puzzles should be continued.  Activities like these increase attention span and fine motor skills.

Books, language games and story-telling continue to be important as your child's language expands.  If these can reflect a child's interest, they will be especially inviting.  Try and be patient in answering children's endless questions.

YOUR CHILD FROM 4 1/2 TO 5 1/2 YEARS

From Observer to Explorer:

SOCIAL

Typically can:

• Play cooperatively with two to five children
• Enjoy going visiting
• Be quite competitive
• Enjoy group play and circle time
• Become embarrassed to been seen nude
• Make friends easily
• Show social skills of giving, sharing and receiving
• Show concern for children in distress

Emerging skills:

• Develop an interest in team sports
• Has sleepover with friends
• Begin to plan social times with friends

COGNITIVE

Typically can:

• Think out a plan before making something
• Name a coin correctly
• Count objects past ten
• Attend to an activity for up to 20 minutes if interested
• Remember a play theme overnight
• Name five colours
• Remember stories and TV jingles
• Distinguish between three to four sizes
• Maintain mood of calm and quiet much of the time
• Sort objects by colour, shape and size

Emerging skills:

• Understand number concepts
• Write numbers up to five and some letters
• Understand calendar and clock
• Put things in categories
• Know days of week, months and seasons
• Remember past events more clearly
• Spell out very simple words

LANGUAGE

Typically can:

• Use vocabulary of 2200 to 3000 words
• Enjoy using big words
• Remember name and address
• Use speech fluently and with grammatical correctness
• Use sentences of at least five-six words
• Be 90% understandable to strangers

Emerging skills:

• Remember birthday
• Understand left and right

EMOTIONAL

Typically can:

• Be industrious and enjoy being busy making things
• Exhibit more confidence and self-assurance than last year
• Accept authority, ask permission and respect rules
• Ask to marry opposite sex partner
• Begin to feel shame and guilt if she/he disobeys
• Tell jokes and riddles and loves to giggle
• Is aware of rules and tells others about them
• Will integrate negative and positive views of self and others
• Will have bad dreams and nightmares

Emerging skills:

• Develop habits and mannerisms: biting nails, pulling clothes and blinking etc.
• Have an imaginary friend

GROSS MOTOR

Typically can:

• Use adult-like posture to throw and catch a ball
• Walk up and down stairs alternating feet without support
• Broad jump up to three feet
• Skip on both feet or gallop
• Walk along two inch balance beam
• Throw a small ball 19 feet
• Jump to touch something
• Jump a twelve inch hurdle
• Balance on either foot
• Run on tiptoes

Emerging skills:

• Hop distance of 50 feet
• Accompany music with body movement (slow, heavy, soft, like a bear)
• Touch toes without bending knees

FINE MOTOR

Typically can:

• Draw a person with most parts included
• Copy a square, circle and rectangle
• Imitate a building of ten cube steps
• Do a seven - eight piece puzzle
• Hold a pencil between thumb and forefinger
• Use same hand consistently
• Draw letters and numbers
• Cut and paste
• Wash hands and face
• Dress if has plenty of time
• Print name
• Self-feed with little mess using fork and spoon

Emerging skills:

• Tie shoelaces
• Do up buttons and fasteners
• Copy triangle

Games and Activities for You and Your Child:

Activities that encourage exploration such as cooking provide opportunities for children to experiment with different materials.  Talk to them about the changes that occur.  Keeping a creative box of scrap odds and ends, crayons, glue and give your child the chance to be creative.  Games such as "I spy" and tag have simple rules and allow turn-taking opportunities.

Letter and number games can be a fun part of daily routines.  These can be an ideal opportunity to foster your child's understanding of numbers and letters.  For instance, count the number of settings at the table, or identify words that start with the first letter of his/her name.

Revised:  July 16, 2001

18 Mar 2008 14:47:58 -0500