Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 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, girls’ bones and organs are more mature than boys’ 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