Young Child, The: Development from Prebirth Through Age Eight

by Puckett, Margaret B.; Black, Janet K.

• ISBN13: 9780131421745
• ISBN10: 0131421743
• Edition: 4th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-01-01
• Publisher: Prentice Hall

Summary

For Child Development courses in Early Childhood Education that cover ages 0-8.For child development courses that cover prebirth through age eight, this widely used text discusses major developmental theories as they relate to physical, psychosocial, and cognitive domains. The book contains extensive applications for those who will teach and work with young children, making it particularly appropriate for early childhood and early elementary education programs.

Table of Contents

An Overview of Early Childhood Development

The What and Why of Early Childhood Development

The Where, When, and How of Early Childhood Study and Assessment

The Child'S Life Begins

The Family Before Birth

The Child and Family at Birth

Infancy

Physical and Motor Development of the Infant

Psychosocial Development of the Infant

Cognitive, Language, and Literacy Development of the Infant

The Young Child: Ages One Through Three

Physical and Motor Development: Ages One Through Three

Psychosocial Development: Ages One Through Three

ognitive, Language, and Literacy Development: Ages One Through Three

The Young Child: Ages Four Through Five

Physical and Motor Development: Ages Four Through Five

Psychosocial Development: Ages Four Through Five

Cognitive, Language, and Literacy Development: Ages Four Through Five

The Young Child: Ages Six Through Eight

Physical and Motor Development: Ages Six Through Eight

Psychosocial Development: Ages Six Through Eight

Cognitive, Language, and Literacy Development: Ages Six Through Eight

Epilogue

Glossary

References

Appendixes

Author Index

Subject Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.

Excerpts

Welcome to the fourth edition ofThe Young Child.This text is written to provide you, the student of child development, the most important tool possessed by those who interact with, care for, and provide educational experiences for young children and their families. This tool is a knowledge base of current theory and research in the field of early growth, development, and learning and its translation into practice in the daily lives of very young children. Indeed, optimal child development depends on parents, caregivers, and educators who provide for and interact with children from a knowledgeable and growth-promoting perspective. You may find it fascinating that today's scholars have very different views of how best to support human growth and development than many scholars of the past. You may even experience challenges to your long-held assumptions and views on childhood and perhaps your childhood experiences. You may also find comfort in learning about the "tried and true," those theories and research studies now considered classic, that continue to guide and support the study of child development and inspire continued research. As you study and follow growth and development from prenatal development through the early school-age years, you will be introduced to contemporary insights on such topics as the following: The impact and long-term consequences of early biological and psychological experiences on brain growth and neurological development The importance of, and potential impediments to, optimal prenatal development Increasing scholarly interest in the mental health of infants and young children Cultural diversity and the positive potential of varying developmental pathways How growth and development of children with challenges is supported Contemporary health, safety, and well-being issues of children and families How children learn and become literate The evolution of childhood social and moral competence The changing American family and the ecological systems surrounding and influencing families and children The changing dynamics and structures in child care and early education and their impact on childhood and individual child well-being ORGANIZATION OF THE TEXT This text is divided into six parts. Part One,An Overview of Early Childhood Development,outlines historical viewpoints and the evolution of the study of early childhood. It presents both classic and contemporary theories of early childhood development and emphasizes the importance of this information to our understanding of growth, development, and learning, and to the practices,of parents and early childhood professionals. Through this discussion, the reader is introduced to contemporary issues associated with childhood and family life today and emerging research areas in the early childhood care and education profession. Part Two,The Child's Life Begins,discusses the family before birth, with attention to educational, sociocultural, and economic considerations in the decision to parent. It describes prenatal development with an emphasis on health, nutrition, and medical supervision of pregnancy. Childbirth and family dynamics surrounding the newborn are also examined. Parts Three through Six trace physical and motor, psychosocial, and cognitive, language, and literacy development during the following stages: infancy, ages I through 3, ages 4 through 5, and ages 6 through 8. This organization facilitates either chronological or topical discussion and study. The chapters include charts and boxed material to amplify concepts and to give prominence to specific issues. Margin notes are provided to define new or unfamiliar terms. At the end of each chapter are Review Strategies and Activities, which include relevant, hands-on suggestions, field experiences, and reflective exercises. In addition, Further Readin