Growth and Development of Young Children

Know the key areas of learning and development for children from birth to 5 years old.

Indicative Content

Stages of growth should include:

• Physical
• Cognitive
• Language
• Social
• Emotional.

The main areas of learning and development in young children are:

• Communication and language
• Physical
• Personal, social emotional
• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understating the world
• Creative expression.

The learner will give examples under each of the 7 main areas of learning.

Using the 7 areas of development examples of activities can be given:

• Communication and language - e.g. singing, reading, talking
• Physical - e.g. running, jumping, skipping, climbing
• Personal, social emotional - e.g. helping them make choices, trying new activities, games taking turns
• Literacy - e.g. reading books together, matching word to pictures
• Mathematics - e.g. number hunt, missing number games
• Understanding the world - e.g. sensory baskets, collecting leaves
• Creative expression - e.g. craft activities, drawing, painting.

Assessment Criteria

• 1.1

  List the main stages of growth from birth to 5 years.

• 1.2

  List the main areas of learning and development for young children from birth to 5 years.

• 1.3

  Give examples of activities that can support each area of learning and development.

Know some of the factors that affect growth and development of young children.

Indicative Content

Factors that affect growth and development should include:-

Biological factors – illness, medical condition gender, heredity, nutrition

Environmental factors – housing, poverty, pollution

Interpersonal factors – relationship with parents.

Assessment Criteria

• 2.1

  Identify some key factors that affect the growth and development of young children.

Know the importance of a healthy diet for growth and development of young children.

Indicative Content

A healthy diet is important for a child’s growth and development

Examples of healthy foods could include:-

• Lots of fresh fruit and vegetables
• Wholegrains
• Beans and lentils
• Lean meat and fish
• Nuts and seeds.

Assessment Criteria

• 3.1

  State the importance of a healthy diet for growth and development of young children.

• 3.2

  Give examples of healthy foods that can support growth in young children.