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Focusing on the rapid changes that happen during the first few years of life.
Did you know that when you were a baby, your brain was making 1 million new connections every single second? You were a learning machine before you could even say your own name!
During the first year of life, babies go through more changes than at any other time. These major steps are called milestones. Think of milestones like levels in a video game; they show that the baby's brain and body are growing stronger. Most babies follow a similar path: they learn to roll over around months, sit up by months, and many take their first shaky steps by their birthday. These aren't just physical tricks; they are signs that the nervous system is connecting the brain to the muscles perfectly.
Imagine a baby named Sam. Here is how Sam hits his milestones: 1. At 4 months, Sam rolls from his tummy to his back. 2. At 7 months, Sam sits up without help to reach for a ball. 3. At 12 months, Sam holds onto a chair and stands up for the first time.
Quick Check
What is a 'milestone' in a baby's development?
Answer
A major skill or behavior, like sitting or walking, that most children reach by a certain age.
Even though babies can't speak English or Spanish yet, they are expert communicators! This is called non-verbal communication. Before words, babies use crying to signal different needs, like hunger or tiredness. Around months, they start babbling, which sounds like 'ba-ba-ba' or 'da-da-da.' This is the brain's way of practicing the sounds of language. They also use gestures, like pointing at a juice box or reaching up their arms to be held. They are 'talking' with their whole bodies!
A baby named Maya wants her favorite teddy bear on the shelf. Since she can't say 'bear,' she does the following: 1. She looks at her dad to get his attention. 2. She points her finger directly at the bear. 3. She makes a happy 'ah!' sound to show she wants it.
Quick Check
What are two ways a baby communicates before they can say real words?
Answer
Babies communicate through crying, babbling, and using gestures like pointing.
When you see a toddler (ages to ) playing with blocks or pretending to be a doctor, they aren't just 'having fun.' In psychology, we say play is the work of the child. Through play, toddlers solve problems and learn how the world works. Stacking blocks teaches them about gravity and balance. Playing 'house' teaches them social skills and how to understand other people's feelings. Every time they play, they are building a smarter, more capable brain.
A toddler is trying to build a very tall tower. 1. They put a small triangle block on the bottom and a heavy square on top. 2. The tower falls immediately (). 3. The toddler tries again, putting the wide square on the bottom. 4. By 'working' (playing), the toddler just learned a lesson in physics and engineering!
Which of these is a physical milestone usually reached by 12 months?
What is 'babbling'?
Psychologists believe that toddlers are wasting time when they play with toys.
Review Tomorrow
Tomorrow, try to remember the three main ways babies communicate without using words.
Practice Activity
Watch a video of a toddler playing or observe a younger relative. Can you identify one thing they are 'learning' while they play?