Approximate
Age |
What children do |
What children need |
| Birth to 3
months Boys
Height
Weight
Girls
Height Weight
|
Begin
to smile and have expressions
Track people and objects with eyes
Prefer faces and bright colors
Reach, discover hands and feet
Recognize sounds and turn head toward sound
Cry, but often stops when held |
Protection
from physical danger
Proper nutrition & health care
(shots, oral, general hygiene)
Motor and sensory stimulation
Appropriate language stimulation
Responsive, caring & loving parenting |
| 4 to 6
months Boys
Height
Weight
Girls
Height Weight
|
Smile
more
Prefer parents and older siblings
Repeat actions
Listen and respond when spoken to
Laugh & imitate sounds
Use of hands and feet
Put objects in mouth
Sit when propped, roll over, bounce
|
Same
as above |
| 7 to 12
months Boys
Height
Weight
Girls
Height Weight
|
Remember
simple situations & events
Identify themselves & familiar voices
Understand own name & common words
Say first meaningful words
Touch, bang, shake objects
Find hidden objects
Sit alone
Creep, pull themselves up to stand & walk
May get shy and/or upset with strangers
|
Same
as above |
| 1 to 2
years Boys
Height
Weight
Girls
Height Weight
|
Imitate
adults
Speak and understand words and ideas
Walk steadily, climb, run
Recognize ownership of things
Develop friendships & social skills
Show pride in accomplishments
Like to help with various tasks
Begin pretend play |
In
addition to the above, support in:
Acquiring motor, language, and thinking skills
Developing independence
Learning self-control
Opportunities for various playing and learning
Play and socialize with other children |
| 2 to 3 1/2
years Boys
Height
Weight
Girls
Height Weight
|
Enjoy
learning new skills
Learn language rapidly
Gain control of hands and fingers
Can get easily frustrated
Act more independent, but is still dependent
Act and sing |
In
addition to the above, opportunities to:
Make choices
Read increasingly complex books
Sing & act
Work with mind simulating toys like simple puzzles |
| 3 1/2 to 5
years |
Stay
focused for a longer period of time
Talk a lot, ask many questions
Want real adult things, keep art projects
Test physical skills
Play with emotions showing
Like to play with friends, do not like to lose
Share and take turns |
In
addition to the above, opportunities to:
Develop finer motor skills
Continue expanding language skills
Learn cooperation & social skills by helping and sharing
Explore writing and reading skills |
| 5 to 8
years |
Curious
about people and the world
Show an increasing interest in reading and writing
Gain confidence in physical skills
Use words to express feelings
Interested in grown-up activities
Become more outgoing & play in a group |
In
addition to the above, opportunities to:
Develop numeric and better reading skills
Engage in problem-solving
Practice teamwork
Practice questioning and observing
Acquire basic life skills
Attend basic education |
The Ages
