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Chapter 1 Learning About Children 17
complex sentences is developmentally accelerated
in language. A developmental delay occurs when
a child performs like a younger child. For example,
a three-year-old who speaks in two-word
sentences may have a developmental delay in
language.
Why do the rates differ among people? The
most common reasons include the following:
• The effects of genes and the epigenome
differ in a given person. Even identical
twins will vary in aspects of growth and
development.
• Gender determines different growth rates.
For example, girl’s bones and organs are
more mature than boy’s at all ages.
• Environmental infl uences have a major
impact on growth and development.
Children need a supportive environment
to grow at the best rate. A supportive
environment includes much love and
care and many ways to learn. If the
environment is lacking, lags or delays in
growth and development occur. On the
other hand, an adult’s attempts to hurry
growth and development may cause a
child harmful stress.
• Motivation, which is a child’s desire
to achieve, also makes
growth and
development rates vary (Figure 1.8).
Some children are eager to achieve and
others are more poorly motivated.
Rates of growth and development also vary
within the individual. Some of the rate changes
are expected. Biological maturation, especially
of the brain, determines typical periods of fast
and slow growth and development in all people.
Beyond these expected differences in rates, other
differences are mainly determined by a person’s
genetic makeup and environmental experiences.
For example, a child may develop at a fast rate in
motor skills and a slower rate in language usage.
A child may be developmentally accelerated or
delayed in one or more areas. It is even possible
for a child to be delayed in one area and acceler-
ated in another. A few children may be develop-
mentally accelerated or delayed in most areas.
Growth and Development Are
Interrelated
In this book, the physical, intellectual, and social-
emotional aspects of growth and development are
A Lesson on Safety
A teachable moment is any unplanned event
that can be used as a learning opportunity. Teachable
moments occur many times each day. By observing
children, you can see these opportunities and teach
to the moment. Children learn best when they show
spontaneous interest and when learning is embedded
in meaningful contexts.
Here is an example: A family is attending a
barbecue at a friend’s home. Their almost four-year-
old daughter has never seen a grill and cannot be
distracted from running up to the grill. Her mother
explains a grill is just like their kitchen stove, but it is
outside. Thus, it is very hot. She points out that the
man cooking has special gloves and long-handled
kitchen tools to protect him from the heat and fire.
The mother positions her chair in view of the grill and
has her daughter sit on her lap to watch the cooking.
From time to time, the girl mentions the heat and the
leaping flames.
Look at the first paragraph again. How did this
example fit the criteria of a teachable moment?
Health