Child Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Child Development - Essay Example The book covers the general theories that explain include development process outlined in relation to the age of a child, the aspects that one has to look closely in child’s development process, the main problems that may be hinder a child’s development, and the required environment to ensure healthy child development process. The booklet will be a worthy companion for all beginners in childcare or child development studies. 2.0 Major Child Development Theories 2.1 Piaget Cognitive Development Theory Jean Piaget was a Swiss theorist who died in 1984. Piaget believed that children’s thinking pass through four systematic separate stages with qualitative changes in each stage (Shaffer & Kipp 2010, 294). According to Piaget a stimulating environment and maturation are the most important aspect in this stage. As the child begins to explore and make connections with the physical world many changes occur in the baby and start to acquire skills and knowledge about their environment. Below are the various stages of a child’s development according to Piaget theory as explained by Shaffer & Kipp (2010, 294). Sensory period (0- 2 years). The child attains significant gains in its thinking as they progress. Children at this stage mostly use motor and physical skills and senses in exploring their worlds, to enhance cognitive development. Pre operation stage 2 to 7 years. Children become less reliant on senses and physical exploration. They become illogical thinkers and have inability to conserve their memory. Concrete Operations 7 to 12 years. Children in this stage develop more elaborate logical thinking, but still need concrete materials to reach a logical conclusion. This explains that children will require blocks while solving math problems. Formal operation (12 years... This report stresses that child development theories explain that a child’s development has to be holistic, which calls for attention in all aspects of a child’s growth and development. A child has to develop mentally, intellectually, emotionally, cognitively, spiritually, physically, and any other attributes that make them whole and healthy. The family setting and the society are the single most important schools for children. The author of the paper declares that the child struggles to put in place their thoughts, they achieve better learning and development and develop increased confidence levels compared to those supported by their instructors. Piaget in his child development theory illustrates factors that have to be observed in ensuring a holistic child development. This paper makes a conclusion that Children learn first from their parents and the pope around them before interacting with the outer worlds, implying their future life depends on their immediate family and the concepts learned. To ensure an effective learning process, there is need to put in place effective measurement approaches that would portray the progress of a child in their holistic development at home and at school. This would indicate the learning progress of each child and help in identifying children requiring special attention. Therefore, a child’s learning process is essential in impacting the required skills, morals, values and qualities that guarantee a better life in future.