The Developing Child Chapter 12

Perception

Information received through the senses. Responding to a child's questions and speaking to them in descriptive ways improves their perception.

Unstructured

Lacking formal organization or instructions.

Imitation

Learning by watching and copying others. Both skills and attitude are things learned from imitation.

Directed Learning

Learning that results from being taught by parents, caregivers, older siblings and teachers. Occurs in schools that offer formal teaching, and also within the home.

Trial and Error Learning

Learning that takes place when a child tries several solutions to find one that works. Experimenting to see what the result will be.

Reading Readiness

Learning the skills necessary for reading. This includes letter recognition and the understanding that letters of the alphabet combine to form words on a page. Also includes children's interest and excitement about books and reading.

Creativity

Mental ability that involves using the imagination to produce original ideas.

Neuroscience

Modern studies of the human brain and how it develops and functions.

Reasoning

Simple problem solving skills. The ability to make decisions and form concepts.

Memory

Storing information in the brain for either a short period of time or long term. Being able to recall information.

Intelligence

The ability to interpret and understand everyday situations and to use prior experiences when faced with new situations or problems.

Articulation

The ability to use clear, distinct speech. To pronounce vowels and consonants appropriately.

Math Readiness

The level of knowledge of basic math concepts. This includes number recognition and also a child's interest in learning math.

Elicit

To encourage.

Decipher

To interpret or figure out.

Stifle

To suppress something. To inhibit something. To not allow.

Incidental Learning

Unplanned Learning or experiences. Learning that happens naturally through exploration.

Stuttering

When a person speaks with sporadic (occasional) repetition or prolonged sounds. These are typically consonants.

Imagination

A child being able to connect what they see and hear with themselves.

Attention

Being able to focus on something and ignore distraction or block out other sensory input.