Chapter 5: Child Development and ParentingAttachment Styles
  • Critical and Sensitive Periods

    • Critical and Sensitive Periods

    Cognitive DevelopmentCritical periodsSensitive periods

    Major Concept Summary: Maj.1.2 Critical Periods (Windows of Opportunity)

    ED 304: Ed Psych and Human Development

    Author: Lindsey Benham

    Validated by: (Chelsey Berryhill, 14 July)

    Disclosure: ChatGPT3 and Consensus. app was used in the creation of this resource.



    Critical and Sensitive Periods

    Critical periods, also known as windows of opportunity, refer to specific time frames during human development when the brain is most receptive to learning and development. Critical periods are important because if certain experiences or stimuli are not present during these times, they can significantly impact the development of certain abilities or skills. Once that window is closed, the opportunity to learn is still there but it becomes a lot harder.

    The sensitive Period is a developmental period where children are in the optimal position to learn from their experiences. Learning in the sensitive period comes from stimuli applied to a specific experience. If a child learns a skill outside of the sensitive period they will find it difficult to learn.

    VOCAB CHECK
    DEFINITION

    Basic Development 

    Language development: Language skills form during childhood. During this time, the brain is particularly receptive to learning and acquiring a language. Children are highly receptive to learning new words and grammar. This can be seen in a classroom setting as children quickly pick up new vocabulary and grammar rules, as well as become more proficient in pronunciation.

    Vision development: Visual learning skills develop from birth to around age three. During this time, the brain is predominately wired to process visual information and develop visual skills.

    Cognitive development: Cognitive skills form primarily in childhood. Children are highly receptive to learning new concepts and tasks. This can be seen in a classroom setting as children quickly learn new mathematical concepts, scientific principles, and other academic subjects.

    Social and emotional development: Children primarily develop socially and emotionally from infancy to early childhood. Children are highly receptive to learning about social interactions and emotions. This can be seen in a classroom setting as children learn how to interact with their peers, form friendships, and understand and regulate their emotions. During this time, the brain is wired to process social cues and develop social skills.

    Identity Development: During the critical period of adolescence, students are highly receptive to developing their sense of identity, forming and maintaining relationships, and making decisions that will affect their future. This can be seen in a classroom setting as students become more independent and take greater responsibility for their learning and decision-making.

    Critical Periods of Development that occur in the classroom:

    • Language development
    • Cognitive development
    • Social and emotional development
    • Identity development


    The Bioecological Model of Human Development
    The Bioecological Model can be used in the lifespan approach to development. It emphasizes the importance of understanding bidirectional influences between an individual's development and his or her surrounding environmental contexts.

    Common Misconceptions about Human Development 

    Critical periods are not set in stone, and the age range for different aspects of development can vary from child to child.

    If a child misses a critical period, they will never develop the ability. While critical periods are important, it is not true that if a child misses a critical period, they will never develop the ability. It may take more time, effort, or a different approach, but the brain can continue to develop and adapt even after the critical period has passed.

    Exposure to certain experiences during critical periods will guarantee success. Exposure to certain experiences during critical periods is important, but it does not guarantee success. Other factors such as genetics, environment, and individual differences also play a role in development.

    Critical periods are limited to childhood only. Critical periods are not limited to childhood only; some skills and abilities have a critical period that extends into adulthood.

    Critical periods are the only important time for development. While critical periods are important, development is a continuous process, and experiences at any stage of life can have an impact on development.

    Warning!

    Critical Periods are not mutually exclusive. They can occur and overlap in different areas of development.

      Real-Life Experience 

      Hayden, a BYU graduate, and a new mother shared her experience of observing her baby through the milestones of critical periods in human development. 

      “I look at the recommendations for when she should hit certain milestones to make sure she’s hitting them, but I also try not to worry if she isn’t doing something right away because each baby develops differently/at their own pace. 

      It can be hard not to compare her to other babies her age who are doing things she isn’t yet, though. For example, there are some babies her age that are already crawling, and sometimes I might feel like she’s behind since she isn’t yet. In reality, it’s normal for her to not crawl yet, and babies that do are pretty ahead in that area. 

      Watching her behavior change as she has become more aware of individuals and the environment around her has been super fun! I love seeing her learn and interact more—this is a super fun age. Just in the past month, she has learned to be more interactive both with her toys and with people. It’s really interesting to see her make new connections. She does need to be entertained more than she used to which can be tiring, but it’s also very rewarding.”

      Learn More!

      Ted Talk: What is the most important influence on child development

      Watch on YouTube



      https://vachildcare.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/stages-of-development.jpg

      Summary 

      Practice Quiz

      1. What is NOT an example of external factors that can affect the critical periods in human development?

      1. Development milestones
      2. Genetics
      3. Parenting Practices
      4. Nutrition 

      2. True/False: The critical periods in human development are the same for every person?

      1. True
      2. False

      3. True/False: Adequate nutrition is not essential for proper development during critical periods?
      1. True
      2. False

      4. True/False: Childhood is not a critical period for the development of language, cognitive skills, and physical abilities.

      1. True
      2. False

      5. True/False: Adolescence is a critical period for the development of identity and the ability to function and maintain relationships.

      1. True
      2. False

      6. What is a key focus of the critical periods of infancy?
      1. Language development
      2. Cognitive development
      3. Social and emotional development
      4. Physical development 

      7. How does the brain's receptivity to new experiences and learning change during the critical periods of childhood?

      1. It decreases
      2. It remains constant
      3. It increases
      4. It becomes selective 

      Resources

        Dangers of Permissive Parenting

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        Access it online or download it at https://books.byui.edu/development_motivati/cGehjtcu.