4. Growth: Refers to an increase in physical size, and
can be measured by height (length), weight and
circumference
Development: ‘Development is concerned with
the possession of skills. Physical development
proceeds in a set order, with simple behaviours
occurring before more complex skills’
Bruce, T and Meggitt, C. (1996) Child care and Education Hodder and
Stoughton
5. Ossification - the strengthening
and lengthening of bones
The increase in muscle strength
and size
The gradual development of control and
co-ordination
6. Principles of Physical development
cephalo-caudal
proximodistal
Outwards – arms
Downwards – head and legs, then hands
to toe and feet
8. Emotional, personal and social
development
Emotional development and Personal
development: relates to how children cope with
and express different feelings and how they
learn to look after themselves
Social development: refers to how children
interact with others
10. Cognitive development: the way our thought
processes develop. It is about the ways in
which we organise our thinking and come to
an understanding of our environment.’ (Tassoni, Beith
and Eldridge, 1998)
