Appendix 4.

02C

Characteristics of Children by Age Groups and Domains

Infants
Birth through
3 Months
Physical Development
and Health

Average height: 20 inches

Average weight: 71/2 pounds
Shows active, but uncontrolled, reflexive body movements; can move arms and legs together
Keeps hands fisted or slightly open; grasps objects in reflex movements; holds object if placed
in hand, but drops quickly
Needs support for head; lifts head at one month, can hold up and turn vigorously at three
By three months, uses improved vision to look at objects more closely and for a longer time

Cries deliberately for assistance, grunts and makes some sounds

Shows facial expressions; vocalizes by crying; laughs out loud
Begins cooing one syllable, vowel-like sounds ooh, ah, aw

Language Development and Communication

Approaches to Learning

Searches with eyes for sources of sounds; shows obvious preference for faces over objects
Stops sucking, listens attentively to sounds/voices

Cognitive Development

Prefers to look at human faces and patterned objects; listens attentively to sounds and voices
Cries deliberately for assistance: uses new forms of interacting

Emotional Development

Reacts to discomfort and pain; shows distress, excitement, contentment, anger and delight
Can quiet self by sucking; shows feelings of security when held or talked to
Whimpers when angry, chortles when content

Does not understand self as a separate person

Is comforted by the human face; quiets in response to being held
Makes eye contact, looks at a person alertly and directly
Shows affection by looking at a person while kicking, waving arms, and smiling

Social Development

Appendix 4.02D

Characteristics of Children by Age Groups and Domains

Infants
4 through 6 Months

Physical Development and Health

On tummy, can lift head and chest using arms for support; may roll from side to side; by 6
months, can roll from tummy to back
Can maintain a sitting position for several minutes if given proper support
On back, can lift head and shoulders off surface; by 6 months, rolls from back to tummy
On tummy, moves by pushing with legs and arms
Gets up on hand and knees, but may fall forward
Is able to stand while supported

Language Development and Communication

Babbles responsively; makes first consonant sounds p, b, m, l

Varies volume, pitch, and rate while babbling
Acquires sounds of native language in babbles

Approaches to Learning

Grabs objects within reach, studies them intently

Explores toys by grasping, sucking, shaking, and banging

Likes to repeat enjoyable acts, like shaking a rattle

Can recognize people by their voices
Smiles and coos when talked to; smiles at self in mirror

Cognitive Development

Emotional Development

Expresses delight, laughs

May begin to show fear

Social Development
Enjoys playing with children
Likes attention, cries for attention
Smiles at familiar faces, stares at strangers
Laughs when socializing
Responds to and imitates signs of affection
Builds trust when cries are answered, becomes anxious or demanding when cries are unanswered

Appendix 4.02E

Characteristics of Children by Age Groups and Domains

Infants
7 through 9 Months

Physical Development and Health

Crawls awkwardly
Likes to bounce when in standing position
May be able to pull self to a standing position
Sits alone steadily for longer period of time
Improves hand-to-mouth coordination

May say mama or dada, but does not connect words with parents
Produces gestures to communicate
Points to desired objects

Language Development and Communication

Approaches to Learning

Enjoys looking at familiar books/pictures

Is curious about/looks for contents in a container
Has an increased desire for independence

Anticipates events
Imitates and acts
Empties, fells, and finds objects in a container
Finds objects that are totally hidden
May label objects in imitation of sounds, such as choo-choo for train

Cognitive Development

Emotional Development

Exhibits fear of strangers

May show fear of heights
Shows fear of new sounds

Social Development

Shows desire for social contact

Prefers caregiver to strangers
Recognizes the social nature of mealtimes
Performs for others, repeats act if applauded

Appendix 4.02F

Characteristics of Children by Age Groups and Domains

Infants
10 through 12 Months
Physical Development and Health

Stands alone; likes to walk holding caregivers hands

Climbs on furniture, up and down stairs
Likes to grasp feeding utensils and cup
Can release grasped object instead of dropping it
Is able to stand and pick up objects
May show preference for one hand
May be able to take off clothes
Finds partially hidden objects

Language Development and Communication

Speaks first recognizable word

Adds actions to words

Approaches to Learning

Begins to solve problems

Shows curiosity about objects, pictures in books

Cognitive Development

Can point to body parts

Can link specific acts or events to other events
Likes to look at pictures in a book
Puts nesting toys together correctly
Looks for things in a permanent location
Waves good-bye

Emotional Development

Cries less often; expresses happiness, sadness, discomfort, anger

Recognizes the difference between good/naughty
Tries to avoid disappointment
Begins to develop self-identity and independence
Fears strange places

Tests caregivers limits

Enjoys playing with siblings
Seeks approval, self-identity and independence
Demonstrates symbolic thought by showing love to a stuffed toy
Objects to having play stopped
Enjoys music, may mimic movements others make

Social Development

Appendix 4.02G

Characteristics of Children by Age Groups and Domains

Toddlers
1 to 3 Years
Physical Development and Health

Average height: 32-36 inches

Average weight: 28 pounds
Walks independently
Climbs up stairs, walks down stairs
Pushes self on wheeled toys; pedals a tricycle
Stacks five to eight blocks
Scribbles with a crayon
Assembles a six-piece puzzle
Takes off, then later puts on, clothes

Language Development and Communication

Understands simple questions
Expressive language develops from knowing four to ten words to being able to use simple
two- or three-word sentences
Begins to use pronouns

Approaches to Learning

Helps adults with tasks, such as setting table for mealtime; wants to learn self-help skills
Attention span is growing longer

Cognitive Development

Can attend or focus for longer spans; can search for favorite toy from day before
Can do pretend play alone
Can do simple puzzles of two or three shapes; can line up objects in a design
Can point to parts of a dolls body
Can put round and square blocks in correct places on pegboard

Emotional Development
Tolerates various types of touch
Shows frustration at lack of abilities; shows signs of fear
Responds appropriately to reasonable choices

Social Development

Participates in parallel play

Resists cooperating or does the opposite of what is asked
Is eager to be a helper to the care provider
May have imaginary friends

short

Appendix 4.02H

Characteristics of Children by Age Groups and Domains

Three-year-olds
Physical Development and Health
age three
Average height: 37.7 inches
Average weight: 32.4 pounds
Body coordination improving
Can catch large balls
Has better drawing skills
Balances on one foot

Language Development and Communication age three

Follows two-step directions

Answers how, who, why questions
Comprehends pronouns she, he, him, and her

Approaches to Learning

age three

Describes or acts out a memory

Takes on pretend roles in play
Takes delight in beauty
Generates ideas and suggestions

Cognitive Development age three

Recognizes and describes common shapes

Recognizes and identifies the role of community helpers
Counts while pointing to three objects
Expands knowledge of their environment through play
Uses one or more of the senses to learn
Can imitate and recall

Emotional Development age three

Is usually happy, cooperative, and agreeable

Feels less frustrated because motor skills have improved
Uses pretend play to express thoughts and feelings
Will play alone
May still be afraid of the dark

Social Development age three

Makes friends easily; is learning to share and take turns

Takes pride in doing things for others; responds to others feelings, shows empathy
Seeks status among peers
Recognizes the classroom as a caring place

Appendix 4.02I

Characteristics of Children by Age Groups and Domains

Four- and Five-year-olds

Physical Development and Health

Age four --- average height: 40.7 inches

Age four --- average weight: 36 pounds
Age five --- average height: 43.5 inches
Age five --- average weight: 40.5 pounds
Walks down stairs with alternating feet, climbs fences
Rides a bicycle, marches to music

Develops knowledge about their world

Shows preferences for favorite books
Independently engages in reading behaviors
Has a vocabulary of 1500 to 2000 words

Language Development and Communication ages four and five

Approaches to Learning

ages four and five

Demonstrates persistence with challenging activities, showing a can do attitude
Demonstrates resilience in the face of challenge
Works toward completion of a task; seeks and accepts help or information
Appreciates and uses humor
Thinks more openly and creatively

Cognitive Development ages four and five

Demonstrates awareness of ideas and language related to time

Understands the uses of forms of technology
Recognizes and duplicates simple patterns using manipulatives
Follows three commands in order
Understands the passage of time within their daily lives
Uses a variety of strategies to solve problems
Shares experiences, ideas, and thoughts

Emotional Development ages four and five

Strives for independence, resents being treated like a baby

Moody; tries to express emotions verbally; expresses and manages anger appropriately
Develops skills for coping with adversity and change

Social Development ages four and five

Is less cooperative than at age three; is proud of parents

Becomes more interested in friends than adults; may pick a best friend
Develops a sense of fairness and an awareness of personal behavior and its effects on others
Can balance their own needs with those of others in the group
Follows social rules, transitions, and routines once they are explained

Appendix 4.02J

Characteristics of Children by Age Groups and Domains

Six- to Eight-year-olds
Physical Development and Health

Age six --- average height 47 inches; average weight 47 pounds; lose baby teeth; replaced by first
permanent teeth; is constantly active; prefers running over walking; may have frequent minor tumbles
and scrapes
Age seven --- average height 48 inches; may look lanky due to thin body and long arms and legs;
becomes better coordinated; movements become more fluid and graceful; develops improved sense of
balance and timing
Age eight --- average height 50 inches; enjoys sports, especially boisterous games; enjoys skating,
skipping, and jumping rope; can handle simple tool; girls developing faster than boys

Language Development and Communication

Age six --- asks more complex questions and wants detailed answers; can understand and follow rules;
begins reading, writing, and math at school
Age seven --- Has a longer attention span; favors reality; is less interested in fairy tales; enjoys reading
animal stories and science fiction; begins to understand cause and effect
Age eight --- enjoys chapter books; enjoys telling and hearing riddles and jokes; grammar skills are
improving; sentence structure includes using pronouns, plurals, and verb tenses

Approaches to Learning

ages six through eight

Uses multiple strategies and all available senses to explore the environment
Eager and interested in learning while playing, listening, questioning, and interacting
Chooses to participate in an increasing variety of experiences
Demonstrates a willingness to choose a variety of both familiar and new experiences
Is able to tell the difference between appropriate and inappropriate (or dangerous) risk-taking
Demonstrates resilience in the face of challenge; appreciates reading; uses humor
Works toward completion of a task despite distractions or interruptions
Develops a sense of purpose and the ability to follow through
Approaches tasks and experiences with increasing flexibility, imagination, and inventiveness

Cognitive Development

Age six --- concentrates on doing one activity for long periods of time; draws on everyday experiences
and applies knowledge to other situations; has improved memory; has a better understanding of the
concept of time; is inquisitive and eager to learn in school; may begin to understand concepts of
seriation, conservation, reversibility, and multiple classification; usually can distinguish between fantasy
and reality; can understand and follow rules
Age seven --- accepts idea of rules; knows harm may result if rules not followed; understands concept of
time; begins to show interest in collecting objects; likes to help teacher
Age eight --- understands the value of money and may be ready for an allowance; refines concepts of
seriation, conservation, reversibility, and multiple classification; attempts various strategies to solve
problem; forms hypotheses about cause and effect; thinks more openly and creatively by comparing and
contrasting solutions

Appendix 4.02J

Characteristics of Children by Age Groups and Domains

Six- to Eight-year-olds, continued

Emotional Development

Age six --- may feel less jealous of siblings as outside interests become more important; is still
egocentric, but is becoming interested in criticism upon failure, but recovers quickly; wants all of
everything; making choices is difficult; may have nightmares
Age seven --- may seem withdrawn and moody; may feel that everyone is against him or her; is sensitive
and feels hurt by criticism
Age eight --- shows more spirit, is willing to try just about anything; is very sensitive to what others think

Social Development ages six to eight

Becomes more socially independent

Chooses own friends
May still have a hard time waiting and taking turns
Wants desperately to be right and to win
Often expresses sense of humor in practical jokes and riddles
Begins to see others points of view
Learns to share and take turns
May feel jealous of siblings as outside interests become more important

Appendix 4.02K

Characteristics of Children by Age Groups and Domains

Nine- to Ten-year-olds
Physical Development and Health

Continues to improve coordination

Improves sense of balance and timing
May develop particular physical skills
Enjoys organized game
Can run, kick, throw, catch and hit
Further refines fine motor skills
Is able to use hands skillfully

Language Development and

Communication

Has a vocabulary of about 5400 words

Has better use of language

Is able to converse well with adults

Uses more abstract words

Approaches to Learning

Is enthusiastic about learning

Enjoys mysteries and secrets
May show less interest in TV programs

Is able to consider more than one conclusion to problems or choices

Understands more about truth and honesty
Likes to act in an adult manner
Likes games that involve mental competition
Enjoys quizzing parents, impressing them with new facts
May show interest in collecting certain objects

Cognitive Development

Emotional Development

Age nine --- is relatively quiet; worries about everything; is sensitive to criticism; has definite
likes and dislikes
Age ten --- is happy with life in general; likes praise and encouragement; likes teacher
attention and approval

Social Development

Age nine --- begins a new drive for independence; resents being bossed by parents; shows
increased interest in friends and decreased interest in family; is interested in group activities
and concerns; often competes with others
Age ten --- likes people and is liked by others; is dependable and cooperative; obeys adults

easily and naturally; has a strong group spirit, but may be diminishing

Appendix 4.02L

Characteristics of Children by Age Groups and Domains

Eleven- to Twelve-year-olds
Physical Development and Health

Likes to test strength and daring

Becomes very conscious of overall appearance

Boys may grow little in height

Girls may experience a growth spurt

Girls may begin menstruation

Language Development and Communication

Uses language to discuss feelings

Has vocabulary of about 7200 words
Enjoys lengthy conversations with adults

Approaches to Learning

Likes active learning, reading aloud, reciting and science projects

May like group projects and classes based on cooperative learning

Cognitive Development

Is able to detect problems in daily situation and work out solutions

Grasps math concepts and applies them to daily activities
Understands concepts of seriation, conservation, reversibility, and multiple classification

Emotional Development

Is less self-centered
May express great enthusiasm
If puberty has begun, may become moody and show signs of Emotional Development turmoil

Social Development

Likes to plan and carry out activities with a group

Is willing to reach out to others for friendship
Has improved social skills
Is patient and friendly with younger children
Has a strong desire to conform to peers in dress and behavior
Likes team games
Is becoming interested in opposite gender, girls more interested than boys