Physical growth and development[edit]
In this phase there is significant synaptic growth and myelination of neural fibers in the brain, especially within the frontal lobes. For example, between the ages 2 and 6, the brain increases from 70% of its adult weight to 90%.[3] The growth of the brain is followed by a surge in cognitive abilities. Around the age of five, children start speaking properly and master their hand to eye coordination.
It is important that an environment is provided that encourages physical development and allows the children to explore and try out new things, this is important for children of all ages. The physical development in children follows a pattern. The large muscles develop before the small muscles, the large muscles are used for walking and running and other physical activities, these are known as gross motor skills. Small muscles are used for fine motor skills such as picking up objects, writing, drawing, throwing and catching.
Cognitive growth and development[edit]
Called the preoperational stage by Jean Piaget, this is the stage during which the child repeatedly asks "Why?", and is used to build relationships with the child. The child can 't yet perform the abstract thinking operations. The child has to be able to see what is being talked about, because they do not understand the concepts of logic,