Developmental Milestones and Changes
Please read this book to learn about the major developmental milestones and changes in early childhood development. This book will cover the following topics:
- Overview
- Learning Begins at Birth
- Brain Development
- Every Child Ready 2 Read Early Literacy Framework
- Talk, Sing, Read, Write, Play
Learning Begins at Birth
Dorothy Butler, in Babies Need Books (1988), reinforces the belief that learning begins at birth. Books play an important role in development, as language stands head and shoulders over all other tools as an instrument of learning.
She notes: “Scientists once told us that approximately one-half of a person’s ultimate intelligence is developed by the age of four. Now they stress one cannot overestimate the vital nature of children’s experiences before they ever enter school. What happens in this crucial learning period matters.” While children and adults can learn and have enriching experiences at any age, starting from birth can help children learn and practice the skills that will help them learn and grow in life.
While you do not have to be an expert on all of the milestones, having a general sense of growth and development during this time will help you better serve your children and their families.
See the workbook for additional resources and more detailed information on developmental stages for young children.