Language Development

Indeed, he (Vygotsky) claimed that the

moment when language becomes
integrated with action is the most
significant moment in the course of
intellectual development (Vygotsky,
1978, p. 24). (Siegler & Alibali, 2005) It
is said that children begin to learn how
to control their actions through
language. When a child is told that
touching the stove can burn you,
eventually, when they see a stove, they
will remember not to touch it.
Language is a tool that children can use
to plan their actions, remember
information, solve problems, and
organize their behavior. (Siegler &
Alibali, 2005)
In the early childhood years, between
the ages of 3 and 5, children begin to
improve in phonological awareness, as
well as master conversational strategies,
(Berk, 2013).

Physical
Development

Early childhood children are
becoming more familiar with
their bodies and their small and
large motor skills are
increasing. They are able to
throw a ball, using their arms,
as well as the rest of their body,
using flexible motions. They
are able to include their
shoulders, trunk, torso and legs
to efficiently throw a ball
farther and faster.

At this age, growth becomes
slower, instead of doubling in
size, this ages growth rate will
increase to about 2 to 3 inches
in height and about 5 pounds a
year (Berk, 2013).



EARLY
CHILDHOOD




Cognitive
Development
During the middle aged years,
children begin to categorize
things. Preschoolers, are able
to form what Lev Vygotsky
called chain concepts. These
were concepts in which the
basis of classification changed
from example to example.
They might put together a
few red blocks; then put a few
triangular blocks, green as
well as red, together; and then
put a few green blocks
together. (Siegler & Alibali,
2005)
Early childhood children are
able to distinguish inanimate
objects from animate beings.
This age also shows a
dramatic increase in
representational activity, as
reflected in language, make-
believe play, drawing,
understanding of symbol-real-
world relations, and
categorization (Berk, 2013).

Atypical
Development
When a child is not growing at a
normal pace and you find that
the child is smaller than other
children their age, they may be
suffering from malnutrition. In
some countries food resources
are hard to come by and
malnutrition is widespread.
Because of malnutrition,
children may suffer from liver,
heart and lasting brain damage
(Berk, 2013).
"Free the child's potential,
and you will transform him
into the world."
- Maria Montessori


How can parents
help?
Breastfeeding is a big deal,
especially for children who live in
countries where malnutrition is
widespread, to help with sickness
and physical growth.
In regards to cognitive development,
as well as language development,
parents should be inclined to read to
their children on a daily basis, this
forms language and cognitive
abilities.