Explain the difference between sequence and rate of development and why the difference is important.
Children’s development is continuous, so it is important to look at the sequence and rate of each aspect of development as a way of monitoring their progress.
Although children develop in different ways and at different rates, the sequence that they follow will roughly be the same e.g.
The sequence children follow = the child learns to hold head up before they can sit, to sit independently before they can stand, to stand independently before they can walk and to walk confidently before they can run.
Some children may miss out a certain sequence e.g. they may never crawl, however as long as they are progressing in their development and moving onto the next sequence there is no need for intervention or additional support.
The rate of development will vary from child to child, one child may be walking unaided at 10 months old (would be considered as a fast rate of development) where as another child may achieve this at 24 months (would be considered as a slow rate of development).
By ways of mapping out a child’s development and using milestones to give an idea of a typical child’s development for a particular age, it is easier to identify if a child is struggling in a certain area of development. This is beneficial to the child if they need additional support.
i.e. a child of 4 has not reached a milestone or shows signs of struggling to reach the milestone in speech, language and communication, therefore they will need additional support from care providers and will need speech therapy.
Some children may be advanced in one area of development yet need support in another area.
Physical examples
0 to 3 months
Baby’s physical ability is limited to reflex movements. Their movements look random and jerky;
They tend to move their arms more than their legs.
Reflexes that babies are born with
Swallowing and sucking reflexes – these help the baby to feed and swallow milk, a natural survival
Instinct.
Rooting reflexes - If the babies cheek or mouth are touched they will naturally turn their head to
look for a teat or nipple, helping them to find milk. This natural survival instinct is usually gone by
about 4 months of age.
Moro or startled reflex – the baby reacts to unexpected sounds and unexpected bright light or
when you fail to support the babies head and neck. The baby will thrust their arms outwards and
clench their fists. This natural survival instinct is usually gone by about 2 months of age.
Grasping reflex - When touching the palm of a babies hand, their fingers will automatically curl
around your finger or an object, this reflex is usually gone by the time the baby is 6 months old.
Walking and standing reflex – If the baby is in an upright position with their feet on a flat surface the baby will usually move feet and legs as if walking. This reflex usually disappears by about 4 months of age.
As the baby nears 3 months old it will have grown in height and weight and will look less curled up in
the foetal position.
The baby will start to make smother movements and will be able to lift and turn its head.
6 to 12 months example
The baby’s physical development is evident at this age. They are more in control of their bodies and they will begin to be mobile.
Between 6 and 12 months old the baby will be able to:-
• Sit without support for longer periods.
• Move around the room by crawling, rolling around or bottom shuffling.
• Can get into a sitting position.
• Can stand whilst holding on to adult’s hand or furniture.
• Using fingers or spoons to feed self.
• Point to objects.
• Put small objects into container.
• Pick up objects with forefinger and thumb
Hope this gives you some idea
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