3 Toddlerhood and the Preschool Years Free Online FlashCards

What age ranges define toddlerhood and the preschool years?

Toddlerhood is roughly ages one to three; the preschool years are roughly ages three to five.

How do gross motor and fine motor skills differ?

Gross motor skills use large muscle groups, as in running or jumping. Fine motor skills involve precise movements, especially with the hands and fingers.

How does physical growth typically change after infancy?

After infancy's rapid growth, physical growth generally becomes slower and steadier, while strength, balance, coordination, and movement control continue to improve.

How can active play support learning?

Movement gives children chances to explore and practice. For example, building a block tower can develop coordination, planning, and problem solving.

What is symbolic thought?

Symbolic thought is the ability to use one thing to represent another, such as using a word for something absent or pretending a block is a phone.

What is centration in early childhood thinking?

Centration is focusing on one noticeable feature at a time. A child may judge a tall, narrow glass to hold more juice by focusing on the liquid's height.

Which abilities are grouped as executive function?

Executive function includes attention, memory, planning, and impulse control. Waiting for a turn in a simple game can practice these skills.

How do receptive and expressive language differ?

Receptive language is understanding what others say; expressive language is communicating one's own ideas. They are related but distinct skills.

What kinds of interaction help children learn language?

Children learn through meaningful exchanges such as listening, responding, taking conversational turns, and hearing words in context.

What does a caregiver provide as a secure base?

A secure base is a responsive caregiver who provides reassurance while a child explores and returns for comfort.

How does peer play typically change from toddlerhood to preschool?

Toddlers often play near other children without coordinating a shared plan. Preschoolers increasingly communicate, cooperate, assign roles, and negotiate during play.

What is co-regulation?

Co-regulation is the support a calm adult provides to help a child settle and understand a situation before the child can manage feelings reliably alone.