Early Childhood Essay

The preschooler child displays a variety of physical, cognitive, and social abilities that are quite unlike any other age group. To understand this development fully one must first understand how humans come into being. All human life begins with the single interaction of sperm and ovum. This simple collision springs forth new life. One cell becomes two, two cells become four, and so on throughout the organism’s life span. The human life experience is broken down into nine periods of development. These include: the Prenatal Period ranging from conception to birth, Infancy and Toddlerhood ranging from birth to three years, Early Childhood or Preschool ranging from three to six years, Middle Childhood ranging from six to 12 years, Adolescence
This period of development refers to how the child reacts with others and the environment there in. This type of social development if further broken down into Erikson’s theory, gender roles, new relationships, and types of play. A preschool child is in Erikson’s initiative versus guilt stage in relation to psychosocial development. (Feldman, 2011, p.248) Psychosocial refers to the changes in the individuals’ understanding of others and themselves. In taking the initiative these children become autonomous and turn away from their parents. Guilt on the other hand can result in the shamming of the child. A caregiver must be careful as to which perspective he or she enforces, initiative being the better option. This stage relates to self-concept of the child, rather how the child views themselves. Often a preschooler will overestimate their abilities. (Feldman, 2011, p.248) Ella believed that her artwork was amazing and Kyle believed he could throw the farthest. Both of these actions were expressed vocally. This is strongly influenced by culture. Some cultures will encourage their children to be independent where as others will requires total control. These young preschool children will also began to develop gender roles. They are able to identify the same sex child and will often gravitate toward them. Males will typically engage in rougher play around age three whereas females will engage in role playing and organized play around the age of two. (Feldman, 2011, p.251) Ella was drawing a picture with other girls, a calmer activity. Kyle was rougher in his play by throwing the dolls of the top of the doll house. These roles are largely shaped by society’s expectations of the particular gender. (Feldman, 2011, p.251) Males are expected to exhibit independence, forcefulness, and competitiveness. Females on the other hand, are typically