Fact sheet 3

Early Childhood
Early childhood starts around two years old. Children become increasingly adept at
activities that require coordination and speed. From one to three years of age, most kids begin to:
Run in a forward direction, jump in one place, kick a ball, and stand on one foot, (Cherry,
2015); these are physical developmental milestones. Their gross motor skills and fine motor
skills are improving.
Early childhood language developmental Your child may be learning as many as ten
new words a day now. Here are some of the language skills you can expect from your child by
around age 2: Forms two- to four-word sentences ("Bird fly high."), (BabyCenter, 1997-2015).
The child can,

Sings simple songs

Follows simple instructions
Uses pronouns, though not always correctly ("Me do it" instead of "Jake do it," but
probably not "I do it")
Repeats words heard in conversations
Recognizes names of people, things, and parts of the body, (BabyCenter, 1997-2015).

As children grow, so does their cognitive developmental milestones. Their self-concept

develops, you may hear my a lot. They will start to learn social and emotional developments
through activities where children must play with others. Children learn to negotiate their own
self in relation to others, and interact with their peers.

Play enables social and emotional development through activities where children must play
with others, share and cooperate, respect other views, express their ideas, feelings and needs
without the constant intervention of an adult. Children learn to negotiate their own self in relation

to others, and interact with their peers. It allows children to acquire the social skills and
emotional well-being essential to normal development. They show concern and sympathy for

others.
Developmental milestones include physical or behavioral signs of physical, social, and
cognitive progress that lead to mastery over ones environment. Smiling, crawling, manipulating
objects, walking, self-care, and talking are examples of developmental milestones that provide
valuable insight into a childs development.

Most children develop skills in similar patterns and at similar times. But attaining milestones
varies, based on each childs family and personal history and environment. Therefore, milestones
are generally reported in age ranges, rather than by a specific age. If you feel your child is not
developing like other children. Seek help ask your doctor; talk your childs teachers.

BabyCenter, L.L.C.( 1997-2015) retrieved from http://www.babycenter.com/6_your-23-monthold-week-1_5930.bc

Cherry,K. (2015),About.comhttp://psychology.about.com/od/early-childdevelopment/a/physical-developmental-milestones.htm