Developmental Factors and Reading Acquistion

Running head : DEVELOPMENTAL LEARNING

Developmental Learning

Name

Course Number Developmental Learning

A person 's learning abilities are greatly defined by the developmental stage he is in . The developmental stage of an individual characterizes the person 's whole personality : his skills , knowledge , and attitude toward learning . Recognition of the developmental level of the learner allows the educator to create an environment that is conducive to learning . The table below discusses relevant information regarding the different age groups of clients that an educator may encounter during his /her teaching experience (Wong

, 1997 Pilliteri , 1999

Table 1 . Developmental characteristics in different stages of life

Early Childhood Middle Childhood Adolescence

Relevant ages 1 to 6 years 6 to 12 years 12 to 20 years

Physical characteristics May appear thin

Height increases (2 to 3 inches per year

Weight increases by 5 pounds per year Onset of appearance of secondary sex characteristics (for example , breast enlargement , body hair ) Rapid irregular physical growth , physical maturity includes reaching maximum height , sexual awareness

Relevant grade levels Preschool level (Kindergarten ) First to Sixth Grade level Sixth Grade to High School / College level

Samples of physical abilities Stands on one leg

Jumps , skips

Dresses himself

Draws triangle Plays ball games

Uses roller skates

Plays with pick-up sticks and pogos Plays organized and competitive games (for example , baseball , chess

Piaget 's stages Preconceptual phase (2 to 4 years ) and Intuitive thought phase (4 to 7 years ) Concrete operations phase (7 to 11 years ) Formal operations phase (11 to 15 years

Characteristics...