LeapFrog Early Learning Academy Curriculum: Nurturing Development in Early Childhood
The LeapFrog Early Learning Academy curriculum is designed to nurture a child's natural curiosity and foster development across various domains. Understanding how children develop at different stages is crucial to creating an effective learning environment. This article explores the key aspects of early childhood development and how the LeapFrog curriculum addresses these areas.
Understanding Uneven Development
It is important to remember that development in early childhood is not always linear or uniform. A child may show advanced skills in one area, such as language, while progressing at a typical pace in other areas, like physical skills. For instance, a child might start reading earlier than their peers but may not develop physical coordination at the same rate. This unevenness is normal and should be considered when assessing a child's overall development.
Instead of focusing solely on a child's strengths, it is important to provide a balanced approach that supports growth in all areas. Encouraging a child's interests and providing ample opportunities for exploration can help nurture their natural abilities without putting undue pressure on them.
The Critical Period of 9-12 Months
The period between 9 and 12 months is a time of significant growth and development for toddlers. During this phase, babies experience rapid physical, cognitive, and social-emotional changes that lay the foundation for future learning.
Physical Development and Motor Skills
Babies' physical development between 9 and 12 months provides them with many opportunities to play, move and relate. Standing and cruising bring babies to new places in their homes, as well as access to objects and furniture at new heights. They can now pick up objects from the floor as well as reach for items that might be on low shelves or coffee tables.
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In addition to gross motor skills, older babies also refine their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. They are more able to grasp and manipulate small objects. They practice picking up and letting go of whatever they can put their hands on. These activities are in the service of exercising fine motor skills and coordination, as well as experimenting with action and reaction.
Cognitive Development and Imitation
After the age of nine months, babies become fascinated with learning about objects. As babies continue to observe new events and explore new environments, they might begin to imitate adult behaviors. Imitation becomes a key way for older babies and new toddlers. They may imitate and replicate voice sounds they hear, a specific sequence of actions, or even emulate adult behaviors with pretend play.
Adapting to Change
Your baby develops many skills at the same time. For example, she may be putting a lot of energy into learning to walk. If so, her language development may slow down for a bit. Or she may be trying to get used to a new child-care center. If so, her physical and social skills may stall.
Clement: An Expert on the Learning Team
Clement, an expert on the Learning Team, primarily works on toys and digital products related to social studies, creativity, life skills and early childhood development. Before joining LeapFrog, he was an early education consultant, a media literacy researcher at the MIT Comparative Media Studies department, a researcher at Children’s Hospital Boston, and a researcher and lecturer at the Tufts University Developmental Technologies Research Group. Clement received his PhD from Tufts University's Eliot Pearson Department of Child Development and completed his dissertation on evaluating children's mobile apps.
Nurturing Natural Interests
While it may be tempting to focus a lot of time and attention on your daughter’s advance reading skills, it is important not to push her. Instead, let her take the lead. You can nurture her natural interest in reading by simply providing her with plenty of opportunities to read interesting and engaging books.
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