Synopses & Reviews
Designed for students in early childhood education teacher preparation programs, Understanding Child Development gives a practical understanding of the young child from the prenatal period through age eight. It introduces the unique qualities of the young child as distinguished from older children and demonstrates how to work with young children in ways that correspond with their developmental level and social and cultural environment. Related to the child's development are current issues such as developmentally appropriate practice, development of early stages of reading, the role of technology in children's lives, the importance of brain development, and the factors relevant to children with special needs. These topics connect the text's content directly to problems adults will face when working with young children. Each section of the book contains critical social and cultural factors related to young children's development, with much new information added in these areas, including socio-cultural aspects of family, school, and community, and material on learning theories and diverse cultures. Up-to-date critical developmental research and theory support the text. It includes helpful review questions, further reading, examples, observation checklists, and references to aid in the student's learning.
Synopsis
Understanding Child Development is designed to serve as an educational and practical resource for those studying Early Childhood Education, as well as for social service workers, special educators, parents and others who require a practical understanding of young children from prenatal to age eight. The author has related critical social and cultural factors to young children?s development, and has presented factors relevant to working with children with special needs throughout the text. She also has put particular emphasis on real-life examples, anecdotes, activities, reference lists and review questions to keep the reader?s interest while giving them the opportunity for further learning and discussion. Special features, charts and full-color photographs make this book come alive!
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 601-636) and index.
About the Author
Rosalind Charlesworth is professor emerita and retired department chair in the Department of Child and Family Studies at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. During her tenure at Weber State University, she worked with the faculty of the Department of Teacher Education to develop continuity from pre-primary to primary school in the program for students in the early childhood education licensure program. She continues to contribute to the Elementary Mathematics Methods class.
Table of Contents
THE YOUNG CHILD: BIRTH THROUGH AGE EIGHT: Section I Introduction. A Brief Look at the Young Child. Development and Learning Theories. Studying the Young Child. LEARNING: BIRTH THROUGH AGE EIGHT: Section II Introduction. How Learning Takes Place. The Adult Role in Learning: General Characteristics. The Adult Role In Learning: Family and Social/Cultural Factors. PHYSICAL AND MOTOR GROWTH: BIRTH THROUGH AGE EIGHT: Section III Introduction. Physical Growth, Health, Safety, and Nutrition. Motor Development. PRENATAL AN INFANCY PERIODS: Section IV Introduction. Conception and Prenatal Development. Heredity, Environment, and Development. The First Two Weeks. Infancy: Theory, Environment, and Culture. Infancy: Affective Development. Infancy: Cognitive Development. THE TODDLER: DEVELOPING TOWARD INDEPENDENCE: Section V Introduction. The Toddler: Autonomy and Motor Development. The Toddler: Affective Development. The Toddler: Cognitive Development. COGNITIVE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT: AGE 3 THROUGH 6: Section VI Introduction. The Cognitive System. Concept Development. Language Development. Language in Everyday Use: Oral Language. Written