Introduction to Stages of Development in Childhood

What you’ll learn to do: explain the physical, cognitive, and emotional development that occurs from infancy through childhood

Think about the miraculous development that occurs during childhood in order for a tiny zygote to grow into a walking, talking, thinking child. Newborn infants only weigh about 7.5 pounds but their physical, cognitive, and psychosocial skills grow and change as they move through developmental stages. In this section, you’ll learn about many of these changes.

Watch It

Some of these key concepts are discussed (as well as others you learned about previously) in the following CrashCourse Psychology video:

You can view the transcript for “Monkeys and Morality: Crash Course Psychology #19” here (opens in new window).

Learning Objectives

  • Describe the stages of prenatal development and the significance of prenatal care
  • Define and differentiate between various infant reflexes
  • Explain the physical development that occurs from infancy through childhood
  • Explain the cognitive development that occurs from infancy through childhood
  • Explain the emotional development that occurs from infancy through childhood, including attachment and the development of a self-concept