Chapter 1 Vocab Flashcards
Socialize
To train a child to live as part of a group, such as the family, culture, or society
Culture
Way of life within a group that includes language, beliefs, attitudes, values, rituals, and skills
Character
Principles and beliefs that guide one’s conduct and define one’s personality and behavior
Development
Gradual process of growth through many stages, such as before birth, infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood
Childhood Development
Scientific study of children from conception to adolescence
Individual Life Cycle
Description of the stages of change people experience throughout life
Heredity
Sum of all the trials that are passed to the child from blood relatives
Environment
Sum of all the conditions and situations that surround and affect a child’s growth and development
Genes
Sections of the DNA molecule found in a persons cells that determine the individual traits the person will have
Genetics
Study of the factors involved in the passing of traits from one generation of living beings to the next
Neurons
Brain cells that send and receive electrical impulses amongst each other to direct the various tasks of the brain
Wiring
Network of the fibers that carry brain signals between neurons
Axons
Long, thick cables that transmit all the signals from a neuron to other neurons
Dendrites
Short, bushy cables that allow each neuron to receive signals sent by other neurons
Synapse
Tiny gap between a dendrite of one neuron and the axon of another across which electrical impulses can be transmitted
Pruning
Process of weeding out underused or weak pathways between neurons
Window of opportunity
Prime period in a child’s life for developing a particular skill I giving the opportunity
Plasticity
Ability of the brain to be shaped and reshaped, which is greatest early in life
Development acceleration
When a child performs like an older child
Development Delay
When a child performs like a younger child
Principles of Growth and Development
Statements of the general patterns in which growth and development takes place in people
Sequenced Steps
Steps in growth and development that follow one another in a set order
Teachable Moment
Time when a person can learn a new task because the body is physically ready, caregivers encourage and support, and the child feels a strong desire to learn
Development Tasks
Skills that should be mastered at a certain stage in life
Direct Observation
Watching children in their natural environments
Indirect Observation
Observations done by methods other than watching children, including asking other people questions about the children, and observing the products children make
1st Stage of a Child
Prenatal Stage - begins at conception and ends about 9months after birth, fastest rate of growth, grows from single cell to a complete organism
2nd Stage of a Child
Neonatal - extends from birth to the second week, the baby physically adapts to life outside the mother’s body
3rd Stage of a Child
Infancy - begins at 2 weeks and continues through 12 months, infant develops the foundation for motor, thinking, language, and social skils
4th Stage of a Child
Toddler - begins at 12 months, ends at 36 months, in this stage child makes great strides in motor, thinking, and language skills, and tests it’s dependence on adults
5th Stage of a Child
Preschool Stage - begins at 3 yrs, ends at 6yrs, child becomes more self sufficient, explored the physical and social world and develops a rather stable self concept
6th Stage of a Child
School-Age Stage - or middle childhood, begins at 6yrs and ends at 12yrs, in school they master the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic, learn self-control and interest in groups with their peers
Child-Centered Society
A society that sees children as important, cares about their well being, and works to meet their needs
