Developmental Stages of a Toddler
Developmental Stages of a Toddler
Kim Wilson-Mister
ECE 332: Child Development
Elizabeth Golen Johnson
4/17/2010
During the toddler years from ages one to three, young children want to become independent. “I do it” or “Me do it.” With gentle consistent care toddlers can learn to trust others. Being a toddler can be fun and at times one of the most trying stages for both child and the parents. Toddlers are now developing out of infancy and learning important language, cognitive, social, emotional, motor, and moral skills. These skills will help the toddler’s master further skills such as walking backwards and walking up and down the stairs. When children begin to learn how to walk, they are considered toddlers. This is term usually applied to children that are one to three years old. This stage is very important in a child’s life because a child learns and grows in many ways. The children have their own timetable to master each stage or skill, but once they master it a new stage begins. During this stage, most children are learning how to walk, talk, solve problems, and relate to others. The first stage of development is language development. This stage is one of the greatest interests for parents and health professionals. Just being able to know what to expect at each age allows parents and health professionals to track developmental milestones and be alert about language delays or disorders. The ability to understand words start at the first month of life, but a child won’t be able to speak until thinking and reasoning skills have developed and the vocal system including the vocal cords have matured. The important part of language development is the experimental sounds a baby makes since these exercise the vocal cords and encourage the brain to use and recognize sounds. At twelve months of age, a toddler can speak two to three words and points in response to words. At fourteen months a toddler can name one object, follow commands without gestures, and
Kim Wilson-Mister
ECE 332: Child Development
Elizabeth Golen Johnson
4/17/2010
During the toddler years from ages one to three, young children want to become independent. “I do it” or “Me do it.” With gentle consistent care toddlers can learn to trust others. Being a toddler can be fun and at times one of the most trying stages for both child and the parents. Toddlers are now developing out of infancy and learning important language, cognitive, social, emotional, motor, and moral skills. These skills will help the toddler’s master further skills such as walking backwards and walking up and down the stairs. When children begin to learn how to walk, they are considered toddlers. This is term usually applied to children that are one to three years old. This stage is very important in a child’s life because a child learns and grows in many ways. The children have their own timetable to master each stage or skill, but once they master it a new stage begins. During this stage, most children are learning how to walk, talk, solve problems, and relate to others. The first stage of development is language development. This stage is one of the greatest interests for parents and health professionals. Just being able to know what to expect at each age allows parents and health professionals to track developmental milestones and be alert about language delays or disorders. The ability to understand words start at the first month of life, but a child won’t be able to speak until thinking and reasoning skills have developed and the vocal system including the vocal cords have matured. The important part of language development is the experimental sounds a baby makes since these exercise the vocal cords and encourage the brain to use and recognize sounds. At twelve months of age, a toddler can speak two to three words and points in response to words. At fourteen months a toddler can name one object, follow commands without gestures, and
References: Berk, L. (2008). Infants and Children: Prenatal Through Middle Childhood (6th ed). Illinois: Allyn and Bacon. Shelov, P. S., & Hannemann, E.P. (Ed). (1998). Caring for your baby and young child: Birth to age five. New York: American Academy of Pediatrics. Friedman, J. (2009). The toddler care book. A complete guide from one to five years old: Canada: Robert Rose Inc. Colson, R. E. & Dworkin, H. P (1997). Toddler Development [Electronic version]. Pediatrics in review, 18(8), 255-259.