Unit 9 Final Assignment – Early Childhood: Ages 3-6 Years

Kaplan University

PS220-04: Child and Adolescent Psychology
Professor Jill Maschio
Saturday, September 8, 2012

Early Childhood: Ages 3 – 6 Years
Introduction: I have decided to complete my research/assignment on Early Childhood: Ages 3 to 6 years of age. I choose this topic because this is the age group that I would like to work with once I obtain my Bachelors of Science in Psychology with a minor in Child Development, and I also find children in this age group to be very interesting especially on the way they view life around them and how independent they become.
The Stages of Development: Cognitive Development: Language begins to develop rapidly, also children begin to use language as their communication tool and their vocabulary increases tremendously. Physical Development: Each skill that the child already has is practiced and becomes perfected. Therefore at this stage the child applies and develops mastery motor skills in challenging situations they are faced with. Social Development: At this age and in this stage the child will begin to learn the concept of right from wrong. Also at this stage he or she begins to imitate what he or she sees an individual do, whether a family member or friend at school. Children at this stage and age also begin to interact with their peers.
Theories:
Erickson’s Psychosocial Theory of Development: “highlights the child’s composite need to initiate adaptive modes of functioning while meeting the variety of demands framed by the society in which she lives” (Bukatko, 2008, pg. 26). o Initiative vs. Guilt: which is the third crisis, shows that a child should develop a sense of purpose by planning and doing this on her own, such as dressing herself (Seehorn, 1999-2012)? This is a clear and precise understanding of why my daughter gets so