Part 2
Cognitive development a/k/a Intellectual development
How they learn, what they learn and how they express what they know through language.
Cognitive development happens rapidly in the first year and is affected by child’s physical development and the environment.
Babies come into the world with the ability to use all sense organs to react to stimuli and ready to learn. New experiences expand their learning and repeated experiences reinforce learning. 95% of all brain growth occurs by age 5.
Perception is the organizing of information that comes through the senses about for, space, weight and numbers.
Cognition is the act or process of knowing and understanding.
Reflexes leads to voluntary movement to sensory perceptions thencognition.
Brain research shows language development begins at birth (if not before!) Between 9 and 12 mos. The speech center of the brain begins to develop.
During the first mos. babies communicate through crying.
6 – 8 weeks old babies begin to “Coo”
4 – 5 mos.old babies babble vowel sounds
7 mos. old babies respond to their names, the word “no” and emotions of others, begin to babble consonants
9 mos. old baby begins to speak it first words; girls begin to talk earlier than boys
12 mos. old the brain has distinguished the sounds it needs to speak the language the baby hears
Children need an enriched environment.
Language rich: Heavy cardboard books and cloth books are excellent choices for infants.
Story-time at home and at the library can start with infants and should continue for many years.
Motorskill and coordination development activities: peek-a-boo game, block play, beads on fixed wire set, suction cup toys, music and dancing.
Socio-emotional development occurs rapidly during the first year as well. An infant’s social development is affected by his interaction with others. Learning to trust and show attachment are the first two stagesDuring the first year, babies have many needs that must be met by adults. Trust is the result of consistently having their needs met in a consistent environment. Attachment develops from the trust. Attachment to parents and caregivers is important for healthy socio-emotional development. Babies begin to develop a sense of identity through their interaction with others.
The 3 parts of socio-emotional development are:
- disposition or tempermant: sunny or cranky
- learning to interact with people: smiling, cooing, crying
- ways people show their feelings: love, fear, anxiety, anger
Separation anxiety is a common fear experienced by babies that loved ones will not return when they leave. Calm, consistent reassurance is necessary from the adult. Eventually the baby will outgrow the fear.
Anger is an emotion expressed by infants. Parents should remain calm and reassuring. Using calm soothing words and touch to calm the infant will help the infant to learn appropriate self-soothing techniques.
Food for infants should consist of breast milk or formula for the first six months. Introduction new foods can occur after 6 months of age. New foods should be introduced one at a time, in small amounts for 4 – 5 days before a new food is tried. This will help to determine any food allergies or intolerance. Rice cereal is usually the first food introduced. It should be a soupy, runny consistency.
Infant foods can be homemade or commercially prepared. Avoid: berries, grapes, raisins, peanut butter, hot dog slices, whole kernel corn, sugary foods, salty foods, and soft drinks.
Weaning is the process of taking baby off the bottle or breast. It should occur at a time determined by the parents and the pediatrician. Wean the child to a cup. Infants are fed with a spoon and can begin to try finger foods and self feeding by the end of the 2nd year of age. Learning this process often takes a great deal of time. Babies have to learn to use a different set of throat and tongue muscles and coordination.
Routines should be established for mealtime, bathing, diapering and bedtimes. Routines teach security and consistency.