Early Childhood (Ages 2 to 6)

  Early childhood is a time of rapid growth and development, and children are expected to achieve several important developmental tasks during this period:

• Physical Development: Children in early childhood develop basic motor skills, including running, jumping, and climbing. They also begin to refine fine motor skills like drawing and writing.

• Language Development: This stage is marked by significant language acquisition. Children expand their vocabulary, improve sentence structure, and enhance communication skills.

• Social and Emotional Development: Early childhood is a crucial time for forming attachments, learning empathy, and understanding emotions. Children start to develop a sense of self and build relationships with peers.

• Cognitive Development: Cognitive tasks involve developing basic problem-solving skills, memory, and early math and literacy skills. Imaginative play is also prominent during this stage.

• Independence: Children in early childhood begin to assert their independence by dressing themselves, feeding themselves, and making simple choices.

Middle Childhood (Ages 6 to 12)

  Middle childhood is marked by further growth and the acquisition of new skills and abilities:

• School Achievement: A primary developmental task during middle childhood is academic achievement. Children develop the ability to read, write, and perform mathematical operations.

• Peer Relationships: Building friendships and navigating peer interactions become increasingly important. Children learn how to cooperate, negotiate, and resolve conflicts with peers.

• Self-Identity: Middle childhood is a time when children develop a more complex sense of self and begin to explore their own interests, values, and beliefs.

• Physical Skills: Fine and gross motor skills continue to develop, allowing for participation in organized sports and activities.

• Moral and Ethical Development: Children in middle childhood begin to understand the concepts of right and wrong and develop a sense of morality and ethics.

   Late Childhood (Ages 12 to 18)

  Late childhood, also known as pre-adolescence and early adolescence, is characterized by significant physical, cognitive, and social changes:

• Puberty: The onset of puberty marks a major physical change during this stage, with the development of secondary sexual characteristics.

• Identity Formation: Adolescents explore their identity, values, and beliefs more deeply, often questioning societal norms and family values.

• Peer Group Influence: Peer relationships become even more influential, and adolescents may seek independence from their families while seeking approval from their peers.

• Cognitive Development: Adolescents develop abstract thinking skills and the ability to think critically and solve complex problems.

• Future Planning: Late childhood involves preparing for the future, making decisions about education, career paths, and setting goals.

• Emotional Regulation: Adolescents learn to manage their emotions and develop emotional resilience.