

Babies develop very rapidly during the first
three years of life. They are born with a
number of physical reflexes.
A REFLEX IS AN AUTOMATIC
UNCONTROBALLE RESPONSE TO A
PHYSICAL CHANGE (E.G MOVING YOUR
HAND AWAY FROM A HOT PLATE).

THE BABY TURNS IT’S HEAD IN THE
DIRECTION OF THE TOUCH, ENABLING IT
TO FIND THE NIPPLE OF IT’S MOTHER’S
BREAST TO OBTAIN FOOD.

When startled, a baby throws out is arms and
legs, then pulls them back with fingers curved.

A BABY WILL GRASP AN OBJECT PLACED
IN THE HAND.

WHEN A BABY IS HELD WITH IT’S FEET
TOUCHING THE GROUND ITS LEGS WILL
MAKE FORWARD MOVEMENTS, AS IF
WALKING.





Match the correct reflex to the correct
description.
WALKING REFLEX
GRASP REFLEX
MORO REFLEX
ROOTING REFLEX


During the first three years babies learn to
control their muscles and movements. The
control of large muscles, such as in the arms
and legs, is called GROSS MOTOR SKILLS.
The control of smaller muscles and movements,
such as those in the fingers, is called FINE
MOTOR SKILLS.
AGE
GROSS/ FINE MOTOR SKILL??
NEW BORN
PRIMITIVE REFLEXES
1 MONTH
LIFTS UP CHIN, SOME CONTROL
OF HEAD.
6 MONTHS
CAN MOVE OBJECTS FROM ONE
HAND TO ANOTHER. PICKS UP
DROPPED TOYS IF THEY ARE IN
SIGHT.
15 MONTHS
CAN WALK WITH OUT HELP
2 YEARS OLD
KICKS A BALL.
2/3 YEARS OLS
CAN BUILD A TOWER OF BRICKS.
2/3 YEARS OLD
STANDS ON TOES, CAN RIDE A
TRICYCLE.
AGE
GROSS MOTOR
SKILL
NEW BORN
PRIMITIVE REFLEXES
1 MONTH
LIFTS UP CHIN, SOME
CONTROL OF HEAD.
6 MONTHS
CAN MOVE OBJECTS
FROM ONE HAND TO
ANOTHER. PICKS UP
DROPPED TOYS IF
THEY ARE IN SIGHT.
15 MONTHS
CAN WALK WITH OUT
HELP
2 YEARS OLD
KICKS A BALL.
2/3 YEARS OLS
2/3 YEARS OLD
FINE MOTOR SKILL
CAN BUILD A TOWER
OF BRICKS.
STANDS ON TOES,
CAN RIDE A
TRICYCLE.



The most important intellectual development a
child makes is the ability to use and
understand language. Babies understand
simple words such as ‘bye-bye’ at 6-9 months.
At two years old, most children will start using
two word statements ‘ZOE SLEEP’.
Intellectual development is helped by play.
Children can look at books to help stimulate
them and increase their ability to recognise
objects.

Normally occurs during infancy, infants will
play by themselves.

Is when chidlren play next t each other, but not
together. For example, one child may play
with building blocks and another with a doll.

IS WHEN CHIDLREN PLAY TOGETHER,
FOR EXAMPLE A GAME OF TAG.

A TYPE OF PLAY THAT ALLOWS
CHILDREN TO LEARN ABOUT THEIR
WORLD. FOR EXAMPLE, PLAYING HOUSE.



Occurs satisfactorily if a secure attachment
relationship has been made in the first years of
life.
As the child gets a little older, he or she will
begin to be interested in other children. By the
age of two her or she will play alone with other
children, this is called PARALLEL PLAY.
A child is about 4 before he or she can play
properly with another child. This is called COOPERATIVE PLAY.



During the first 18 months of life, infants
develop an emotional bond with their carers.
This boding process ties the infant emotionally
to familiar carers.
USE THE INTERNET AND RESEARCH THE
WORK OF JEAN PIAGET AND BANDURA.
PRESENT YOUR FINDINGS IN A WRITTEN
REPORT. You must make sure you include the
following: name of theorist, outline of work,
any key terms.
Q1) What are reflexes?.
Q2) Describe the reflexes of a new born baby.
Q3) Describe and give 3 examples of a fine motor
skill.
Q4) Describe and give three examples of a gross
motor skill.
Q5) What is parallel play?.
Q6) What is cooperative play?.