Each parent should understand and track her child's progress to ensure he develops normally. Teachers enforce intellectual development in school, but their resources are limited. Many American children have developmental disorders that limit their intellectual skills. In some cases, avoiding these disorders may be possible. Because mental and social developments are linked, awareness of intellectual development milestones each child must meet is essential.
Vocabulary, Reading and Communication
From the time a baby learns to speak, at about age 1 and a half, he grows his vocabulary from about 50 words to thousands of words when he reaches age 5. At age 2, he learns to say phrases; when he turns 4, he has simple conversations with you and other children. Most children learn the alphabet at age 5 and learn to read a year or two later. For a baby and toddler, imitation is important. Babies point to objects and imitate sounds. Toddlers ask questions and communicate their needs and desires. Children 5 and older develop communication quickly because they interact with children and teachers in school. They begin to follow complex stories well because their understanding of communication and relationships expands.
Spatial and Abstract Relationships
Babies and toddlers gradually understand that objects still exist even when hidden. Two-year-olds have limited understanding of the past and future; they believe the past occurred yesterday and the future will occur tomorrow. At age 4, they understand morning, noon, night and the seasons. As a simple reality begins to give way, children at about age 7 begin to understand abstract concepts. For example, medicine tastes bad, but is good for them. They also begin to realize that people have different points of view.
Object Classification
Toddlers use objects -- like spoons and forks -- for their intended purposes. When children reach age 4, they should be familiar with the concepts of weight, size, number, color, distance, time and texture. They also should have the ability to classify objects -- like dogs and cats, husband and wife -- using their reasoning skills.
Perspective and Independence
Children who are 3 and 4 years old have difficulty distinguishing fantasy from reality and enjoy "make believe" play. School-age children enjoy experimenting with activities for short periods and need direction to stay on task. Children begin to show independence at age 10 and 11 and find their own solutions to problems. Teenagers develop independence and identity by about age 16. They prefer participating in activities that give them pride, responsibility and respect of others.
Warning
Each child reaches milestones at different ages. Concern about kids' development is appropriate when a skill deficiency interferes with their behavior and learning. Discuss concerns about your child's intellectual development with her teacher or a school psychologist.
References
- The Merck Manual Home Health Handbook: Intellectual Development
- PBS.org: Thinking Skills
- Ohio State University: Ages and Stages of Youth Developement
- Healthy Children: Cognitive Development -- One-Year-Old
- University of Illinois Extension: Ages & Stages -- Toddlers
- University of Illinois Extension: Ages & Stages -- Preschool Children
