Related Concept Videos

Motor Skills Development During Early Childhood01:30

Motor Skills Development During Early Childhood

Early childhood is a period of rapid motor development in which children refine gross and fine motor skills. These abilities increase independence and support social interaction, play, and learning.Gross Motor SkillsGross motor skills involve coordinated movements of large muscle groups, including running, jumping, and climbing. By about 2.5 years, most children can jump with both feet. Hopping, which requires greater balance and strength, usually emerges around age 4.Stair climbing also...
Principles of Development01:31

Principles of Development

Physical development during the prenatal period and early childhood follows two major directional principles: cephalocaudal and proximodistal development. These general patterns happen simultaneously and help explain changes in body proportions and the gradual development of motor skills.Cephalocaudal DevelopmentThe cephalocaudal principle describes development from the head downward toward the lower body. During prenatal development, the head and brain structures develop rapidly before many...
Locomotion During Infancy and Toddlerhood01:29

Locomotion During Infancy and Toddlerhood

Children develop a wide range of gross motor skills during the first three years, as increasing muscle strength, balance, coordination, and nervous system maturation allow greater control over body movements. Development generally progresses from basic postural control to independent movement and later to activities such as jumping, climbing, and pedaling.Motor Development During the First YearMost infants begin rolling during the first several months, although the timing and direction can vary.
Psychometric Approach of Cognitive Development01:28

Psychometric Approach of Cognitive Development

The psychometric approach examines cognitive development by measuring individual differences in abilities that contribute to intelligence. Intelligence includes the capacity to learn, remember, apply knowledge, understand relationships among concepts, and solve everyday problems. Intelligent behavior is generally goal-directed and adaptive because it helps individuals achieve objectives and adjust to changing situations.Intelligence Testing in ChildrenIn school-age children, intelligence is...
Sensorimotor Stage II: Substages 4 to 601:27

Sensorimotor Stage II: Substages 4 to 6

Piaget’s sensorimotor stage describes cognitive development from birth to approximately two years. During this stage, infants progress from reflexive behavior toward intentional action and early symbolic thought. Substages four through six show major advances in problem-solving, experimentation, and mental representation.Substage 4: Coordination of Secondary Circular ReactionsFrom approximately 8 to 12 months, infants begin coordinating previously learned behaviors to achieve specific goals.
Hand Control During Infancy and Toddlerhood01:31

Hand Control During Infancy and Toddlerhood

Hand movements during infancy and toddlerhood develop from broad, relatively uncontrolled actions into increasingly precise fine motor skills. This progression depends on nervous system maturation, improved muscle control, and repeated interaction with objects. Early reflexive movements gradually give way to intentional reaching, grasping, object manipulation, and tool use.Early Grasping SkillsNewborns show a strong palmar grasp reflex, automatically closing their fingers when the palm is...