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Chapter 1 Learning About Children 15
Every
science works on certain principles—basic
truths or assumptions. For example, in physics,
one principle is: Every effect has a cause. Prin-
ciples are generated through countless research
studies over time. When the same results come up
over and over again, a principle is noted.
In child development, you know that each
child is unique. Yet, through research observa-
tions, you know there are basic patterns of growth
and development called principles. These princi-
ples are universal (apply to all children throughout
all times), predictable (will occur in future obser-
vations), and orderly (patterns are sequenced and
will occur at approximate times).
Why are principles of development impor-
tant? When you make any decision about a child,
taking into account these principles will aid devel-
opment, but ignoring the principles will likely
hinder development. Researchers and theorists
use their existing knowledge about principles of
growth and development as they develop new
theories.
Principles of Growth and
Development
Each person is unique, yet people are more
alike than different. Experts study these likenesses
to fi nd patterns in the way people generally grow
and develop. These patterns, or principles of
growth and development, do not fi t every per-
son exactly. They are true enough to be used as
a guide, however, when learning about children
(Figure 1.6). The following sections describe key
principles of growth and development.
Growth and Development Are
Constant
Many aspects of a person’s growth and devel-
opment are unchanging. This is called constancy.
Traits that children possess today are a good
hint—but not proof—of traits that will be present
in the future. For example, tall two-year-olds tend
to be tall adults. Children who are good students
in elementary school are likely to be good students
in high school. Happy, secure children tend to be
cheerful, confi dent adults.
Why is this so? There are two reasons for con-
stancy in growth and development. First, new
growth, knowledge, and skills are always built
on those already acquired. One stage always
prepares the way for the next, such as making
sounds before speaking words. Second, people
often live in the same environment for years. For
major changes to take place in growth and devel-
opment, major changes must take place in the
environment.
Growth and Development Are
Gradual and Continuous
Growth and development are, for the most
part, gradual and continuous. A child does not
grow or develop overnight. Consider a baby taking
his or her fi rst steps on a certain date. Each day
before walking, the baby grew, the body matured,
and the baby practiced motor skills, such as crawl-
ing and pulling to a stand. All these small changes
lead to the baby’s fi rst steps (Figure 1.7).
Figure 1.6 How do you think these principles of growth
and development were determined? Why?
Principles of Growth and Development
occur at different
rates
progress in
sequential
steps
are interrelated tend to be constant
are gradual
and
continuous
Growth and
Development . . .