Early Childhood Development

Physical development milestone

According to the text, by the age of two preschoolers gaits become smooth and rhythmic
secure enough that they soon leave the ground, first by running and jumping (Berk, 2013).
During the physical early childhood stage, children begin to ride a tricycle without the help from
others. Through play early childhood begin to gain understanding of self-concept and selfregulation skills. At this stage early childhood begin to use their fine motor skills to be able to
build blocks, go up and down slide without help from others. Vygotsky states that at this stage,
children play dress up to make believe their world around them (Bergen, D. 2012). During this
stage children should be doing the following:

Zip zipper
Button shirt
Trace name, letters and numbers
Tie shoes

Language Development Milestone

Early childhood reading words

During the early childhood stage, this is when children begin to use complete sentences.
When they are around peers, they learn from others, which it enhances their language skills. At
this stage, children language should be understandable. Piaget states at this stage children should
be able to acquire knowledge when ask of them to do so. At this stage, children should be able to
recognize some letters and numbers. Children should be able to read short stories without the
help of others. During this stage children should also be doing the following:

Children can form sentences without help

Gain knowledge with problem solving skills
Can tell story about what was read
Name colors
Children should be able to spell name and write name.
Can read short story books
Children can recognize and read words

Cognitive Development Milestone

During this stage early childhood children begin to solve problems. According to Piaget,
he states that during this stage children understand the world much differently than adults, they
play and explore, their mind learns how to think in ways that better fit reality (Oswalt, A.,
2014). At this age, children are advance in how they process, store and use information. When
providing early childhood with the proper tools, they will use their critical thinking skills to
master academic tasks. During this stage, children use their imagination to gain knowledge and
understanding within their environment. At this stage children should be doing the following:
Early childhood should be able to make decisions
Understanding simple concept
Increase attention span
Counting
Spelling simple words
Writing name

Social/Emotional
During this stage, children learn from peers and teachers. Children gain a better insight
when they socialize with peers. When children play, it builds social skills, which are very
important at this age group. However, when children socialize, it enhances language skills, and
self-esteem and confidence. During the early childhood stage one should be doing the following:

Early childhood enjoy peer interaction

Early childhood make believe play
Early childhood discuss like and interest

Moral Reasoning/Self-Regulation
During this stage, children reason through egocentric reasoning. At this age, a child goes
through different mood swings. Children feel as though they can have their way. However, at
this age children are learning self-regulation skills. Teachers must incorporate in their lesson how
to build those skills. At this age, children are being exposed to self-regulation skills. During this
age, early childhood should be doing the following:

Early childhood began to manage emotions and self control

Early childhood uses language to control behavior
Early childhood began to understand reciprocity

Atypical development for Early Childhood

A sign that signal atypical development in early childhood have problems making
decisions on his or her own. However, the child can not use problem solving skills to count
numbers and solve other problem that is needed. During this stage, children have a delay with
maturity and they can not think in a concrete manner. Atypical child have problems with
grasping motors skills.

Social Factor
Social factor that can influence early childhood development will be play-based learning
activities. Teachers can provide activities that will promote social skills. When promoting social
skills in early childhood, they gain understanding and knowledge of the world around them.
Through play, children gain self-regulation skills, and self-control.

Cultural Factors
Cultural factors that can influence early childhood development will be discuss and share
pictures of different, so that children will exposed to different cultures and learn to appreciate
other culture as well as their own. Once children have learned about different cultures, it will
influence a child`s development.

Strategies for Helping Early Childhood

Parents can provide activities such as games to enhance their child`s thinking skills, and
it will also enhance social skills. However, to enhance language parents can provide flash cards
with words and letter. Most of all reading to the child each night will allow the child to read
fluently in reading.

References
Bergen, D. (2002). The role of pretend play in children's cognitive development. Early
Childhood Research & Practice, 4(1), n1.

Oswalt, Angela. "Cognitive Development: Language Development." Mental Health. Center Site,
LLC, 2009. Web. 19 Oct. 2014.