CHILD DEVELOPMENT
To use the Child Development Chart for recording a child’s progress, every month
or two you can add new circles to the chart. Use a different colored ink each time, and
mark the date in the same color. Then add new squares to determine the developmental
steps that are next in line. (See p. 49.)
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THE NEED FOR EARLY STIMULATION
The parents and family are the key to the development and early learning of any
child. Children who are developmentally slow need the same stimulation (talking to
them, music, games, adventure, and love) that any child needs. But they need more.
They need more help and repeated activities to use their minds and their bodies.
When a child is delayed, he needs stimulation and activities to
help develop all areas of his body and mind.
AREAS OF A CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT THAT CAN BE HELPED
THROUGH EARLY STIMULATION AND LEARNING ACTIVITIES
1. Movement, body control, strength, and balance:
these will help the child move about, do
things, play, and work.
2. Use of the hands: increased hand control, and
coordination of the hands with what the child
sees, allows the child to develop many skills.
3. The senses: especially seeing, hearing and
feeling. These will help the child
recognize and respond to her world.
4. C ommunication: listening, understanding
what is said, and learning to speak, or to
communicate in whatever way is possible.
5. Interaction with other people: smiling,
playing, behaving appropriately, and
learning to ‘get along’ with others.
6. B asic activities for daily living: eating, drinking,
dressing, and control of bowel and bladder
(peeing and shitting). These ‘self-care’ skills
help the child become more independent.
7. Observing, thinking, and doing:
to learn how to make thoughtful,
intelligent decisions.
The goals of an early stimulation program are to help the child
become as able, self-sufficient, happy, and kind as possible.
disabled village children