The 6 Key Areas of Development

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As parents, we are our child’s first and most important teachers. From the very beginning, our every interaction helps build our child’s brain. Knowing the 6 main areas of development is essential to promote healthy development for our children.

Area 1: Communication

Communication is made up of receptive language (what a child understands) and expressive language (what a child expresses).

Area 2: Fine Motor

Fine motor skills allow proper coordination of bones and muscles so that little ones can make small and precise movements like picking up items with their fingers.

Area 3: Gross Motor

Gross motor skills are the ability to move the muscles of the body in a coordinated way. These skills refer to broad movements like head control, crawling, walking, or jumping.

All areas of development work together in a comprehensive way.

Area 4: Problem Solving

Problem solving is a fundamental life skill that children should start learning as soon as possible. When children learn problem-solving skills, they also learn that they can trust their ability to make good decisions for themselves.

Area 5: Socio-Individual

This area refers to how children develop a sense of who they are in the world, including how they establish relationships and interact with others. Self-help skills also fall under this area.

Area 6: Socio-Emotional

Socio-emotional development is the ability to control one’s own feelings and behaviors, as well as understand the feelings of others. Feelings of trust, security, friendship, affection and humor are all part of a child's socio-emotional development. The formation of positive relationships with adults, relationships that inspire confidence and security, is essential to healthy socio-emotional development.

Let’s ensure our children get a smart start by promoting growth in these 6 essential areas.