Infancy

Question 1

Describe the physical development of an infant
(7)

Answer 1

-Infants are measured by their height, weight and head circumference.
-They should increase in height and weight
-They should develop control over their body
-Develop baby teeth
-Gross motor skills should improve e.g walking, running and crawling
-Fine motor skills should improve
-They should have the ability to pick things up with their thumb and finger

Question 2

Describe the intellectual development of an infant
(7)

Answer 2

-They are egocentric which means they only see things from their point of view
-They can make noises when spoken to
-They listen to many sounds/voices
-They can understand simple instructions, repeat words and form sentences
-By 2.5 years of age they should have around 200 words in their vocabulary
-They should be able to identify colours
-Their memory should improve- TV programmes/ familiar faces/songs

Question 3

Describe the emotional development of an infant
(4)

Answer 3

-Enjoy being cuddled and form a strong bond with carers
-May develop a strong fear of strangers but it will progress and the fear will lessen
-Show negative behaviour and have many tantrums
-They are very dependent on adults and don’t have the ability to empathise and understand why someone may feel a certain way

Question 4

Describe the social development of an infant
(4)

Answer 4

-Smile, enjoy playing and take part in unstructured play
-May find it difficult to share with others as a toddler
-May begin to carry out chores e.g clean or tidy up
-Have opportunities to make friends at nursery or mother/father toddler groups