Developmental Domains

Social and Emotional

Social and emotional development refers to the way children regulate their own emotions, identify feelings , and form positive bonds and relationships with others . Research shows that social emotional learning is a stronger predictor of school success than any other developmental area. Providing social and emotional activities for your child helps him/her deal with their emotions, learn cooperation and create successful relationships.

Language and Literacy

Language and literacy development refers to the way children communicate with others, and engage with print materials. Reading to your baby, pointing to and identifying new objects, drawing, listening, and singing together all promote communication skills that lead to reading and writing. Providing language and literacy activities in meaningful ways promotes growth in this area.

Expressive language: refers to the way your child uses words or gestures to communicate with others. Does your baby smile, "coo", and name objects? Correctly reading a baby's cues creates bonding between child and caregiver, and sets the stage for communication throughout life.

Receptive Language: refers to the ways that your child understands (receives) information from the world and reacts to it. Talking with your child as you change his/her diaper, reading stories together, singing a song, asking questions all contribute to receptive language skills.

Reading: It is never too early to start reading to your child. Remember that for babies, reading is often about exploring and chewing books, and this is age-appropriate. Children may not sit for an entire book all the time, even after they are 3 or 4. Make sure to use animated facial expressions and exaggerated voices when you read to your child. You should feel free to not stick to the words on the page, make reading a conversation, and ask open-ended questions when you read together. Dialogic reading , which incorporates these ideas, has been shown to have positive impacts on children's literacy.

Writing: refers to the way a child expresses him/herself in words. Scribbling is the first step to learning to write. Encourage your child's attempts at writing and drawing. Ask questions about what they have made and write it on the paper. Reading books and pointing to the words, letting your child watch you write shopping lists, pointing out letters in the cereal boxes are ways of incorporating language and literacy into everyday activities. When writing becomes meaningful children are more engaged in learning.

Cognitive Thinking

Cognitive development refers to "thinking" skills that children use to explore their world. Everyday there are moments you can encourage cognitive development . Expensive toys and gadgets are not necessary. Everything you need to stimulate a child's thinking skills is available in ordinary objects (e.g., boxes, pots and pans), books, "low-tech" toys (e.g., blocks, rattles), and most importantly, interactions with YOU.

Early math skills: Reading and writing aren't the only skills related to cognitive development. Math skills are also extremely important for school readiness and success in life. Here are some everyday ways you can introduce your child to math.

Physical Well-being & Health

Physical development in young children refers to the small motor (fine motor) and large motor (gross motor) skills, self-care skills and health and well-being.

Fine motor skills involve the muscles of the hand. As these muscles strengthen children are able to hold a pencil, button their own clothing and tie their shoes. Providing fine motor activities to children prepares them for writing.

Gross motor development refers to using the large muscle groups and involves activities like running, jumping, hopping, climbing, and skipping. Providing gross motor activities helps children develop physical coordination skills. Activities include climbing on the jungle gym, running, playing chase, and even rough and tumble play .

Self-care skills refer to the ways children perform basic activities such as teeth-brushing, feeding themselves, and getting dressed. Help your child by involving them in caring for themselves (e.g., encourage use of spoon and fork) and others (e.g., feeding the family dog, helping to set the table). These skills promote responsibility, self-esteem, and a sense of community.

Approaches to Learning

Approaches to learning refers to the ways children are motivated and engage in learning activities. Do they ask questions, are they persistent in finding the answers, can they solve problems with assistance? All these qualities prepare children to be successful in their journey through education. Supporting their love of learning is an important part of being a responsive parent. For everyday activities click here.