Developmental Differences in Children
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Developmental Differences in Children
A variety of factors accounts for developmental differences in children. They may range from children’s maturation, special needs, and different languages. Each child is unique and matures at different rates; this is called the readiness factor (Browne & Gordon, 2008, p.112). Children’s readiness to learn and developmental milestones usually occur around the same time or age; however, other factors such as genetic makeup, environmental conditions, gender, and race may account for some differences. Genetic makeup includes “certain diseases, such as Tay Sachs, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell anemia” (Browne & Gordon, 2008, p.112). Environmental risk factors may include poverty, minority status, and parent child interaction. Gender and race plays a role since girls usually mature at a faster rate than boys. According to Browne & Gordon (2008), children of African and Asian American race seem to mature faster than North American Caucasian children (p.113). Children with special needs cover a broad range of disabilities and the disability may range from mild to severe. Early childhood teachers play an important in all developmental differences.
Early childhood teachers will need to judge children’s readiness for the curriculum through observation and parent involvement. They will also need to get to know the child and the family so that they may individualize the curriculum to meet the child’s needs. Good early childhood teachers work hard to provide activities and teaching strategies that are inclusive and provide opportunity for special needs children to interact with children who are not disabled and that are developmentally appropriate for the child.
Early childhood teachers should be familiar with characteristics of gifted and talented children in order to identify possible gifted children in their care. Teachers will need to work with parents to provide stimulating and challenging activities in the...
A variety of factors accounts for developmental differences in children. They may range from children’s maturation, special needs, and different languages. Each child is unique and matures at different rates; this is called the readiness factor (Browne & Gordon, 2008, p.112). Children’s readiness to learn and developmental milestones usually occur around the same time or age; however, other factors such as genetic makeup, environmental conditions, gender, and race may account for some differences. Genetic makeup includes “certain diseases, such as Tay Sachs, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell anemia” (Browne & Gordon, 2008, p.112). Environmental risk factors may include poverty, minority status, and parent child interaction. Gender and race plays a role since girls usually mature at a faster rate than boys. According to Browne & Gordon (2008), children of African and Asian American race seem to mature faster than North American Caucasian children (p.113). Children with special needs cover a broad range of disabilities and the disability may range from mild to severe. Early childhood teachers play an important in all developmental differences.
Early childhood teachers will need to judge children’s readiness for the curriculum through observation and parent involvement. They will also need to get to know the child and the family so that they may individualize the curriculum to meet the child’s needs. Good early childhood teachers work hard to provide activities and teaching strategies that are inclusive and provide opportunity for special needs children to interact with children who are not disabled and that are developmentally appropriate for the child.
Early childhood teachers should be familiar with characteristics of gifted and talented children in order to identify possible gifted children in their care. Teachers will need to work with parents to provide stimulating and challenging activities in the...