Chapter 1 Vocab

Question 1

Socialize

Answer 1

To train a child to live as part of a group, such as the family, culture, or society

Question 2

Culture

Answer 2

Way of life within a group that includes language, beliefs, attitudes, values, rituals, and skills

Question 3

Character

Answer 3

Principles and beliefs that guide one’s conduct and define one’s personality and behavior

Question 4

Development

Answer 4

Gradual process of growth through many stages, such as before birth, infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood

Question 5

Childhood Development

Answer 5

Scientific study of children from conception to adolescence

Question 6

Individual Life Cycle

Answer 6

Description of the stages of change people experience throughout life

Question 7

Heredity

Answer 7

Sum of all the trials that are passed to the child from blood relatives

Question 8

Environment

Answer 8

Sum of all the conditions and situations that surround and affect a child’s growth and development

Question 9

Genes

Answer 9

Sections of the DNA molecule found in a persons cells that determine the individual traits the person will have

Question 10

Genetics

Answer 10

Study of the factors involved in the passing of traits from one generation of living beings to the next

Question 11

Neurons

Answer 11

Brain cells that send and receive electrical impulses amongst each other to direct the various tasks of the brain

Question 12

Wiring

Answer 12

Network of the fibers that carry brain signals between neurons

Question 13

Axons

Answer 13

Long, thick cables that transmit all the signals from a neuron to other neurons

Question 14

Dendrites

Answer 14

Short, bushy cables that allow each neuron to receive signals sent by other neurons

Question 15

Synapse

Answer 15

Tiny gap between a dendrite of one neuron and the axon of another across which electrical impulses can be transmitted

Question 16

Pruning

Answer 16

Process of weeding out underused or weak pathways between neurons

Question 17

Window of opportunity

Answer 17

Prime period in a child’s life for developing a particular skill I giving the opportunity

Question 18

Plasticity

Answer 18

Ability of the brain to be shaped and reshaped, which is greatest early in life

Question 19

Development acceleration

Answer 19

When a child performs like an older child

Question 20

Development Delay

Answer 20

When a child performs like a younger child

Question 21

Principles of Growth and Development

Answer 21

Statements of the general patterns in which growth and development takes place in people

Question 22

Sequenced Steps

Answer 22

Steps in growth and development that follow one another in a set order

Question 23

Teachable Moment

Answer 23

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

Question 24

Development Tasks

Answer 24

Skills that should be mastered at a certain stage in life

Question 25

Direct Observation

Answer 25

Watching children in their natural environments

Question 26

Indirect Observation

Answer 26

Observations done by methods other than watching children, including asking other people questions about the children, and observing the products children make

Question 27

1st Stage of a Child

Answer 27

Prenatal Stage - begins at conception and ends about 9months after birth, fastest rate of growth, grows from single cell to a complete organism

Question 28

2nd Stage of a Child

Answer 28

Neonatal - extends from birth to the second week, the baby physically adapts to life outside the mother’s body

Question 29

3rd Stage of a Child

Answer 29

Infancy - begins at 2 weeks and continues through 12 months, infant develops the foundation for motor, thinking, language, and social skils

Question 30

4th Stage of a Child

Answer 30

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

Question 31

5th Stage of a Child

Answer 31

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

Question 32

6th Stage of a Child

Answer 32

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

Question 33

Child-Centered Society

Answer 33

A society that sees children as important, cares about their well being, and works to meet their needs