Reference no: EM133740948

The preschool years (ages 3-5) are an exciting time of growth and change. Children are growing in terms of their ability to form friendships, play with others, understand the world in concrete and logical terms, and take those initial, crucial steps toward independence. Rather than simply playing next to another child, like a two-year-old, a four-year-old can create a game with their peers, pretend that a box is a house, and role-play some of the situations that play out in their daily life, like going to the grocery store or to the bank. Play is a critical component of learning for children in this age group, as it helps them make meaning from their worlds and extends their innate curiosity to learn.

Once children enter school (with elementary school spanning approximately ages 5-11), their cognitive, social, and emotional development is driven, in part, by their educational experiences. Children's friendship becomes more complex as does their form of play. Children grow in their perspective-taking and cognitive skills, with all of these developmental domains influencing one another across time. The many unique environments and people around the child significantly influence their path forward. Parents, peers, teachers, school, community, and culture set the backdrop for this time of active growth and development. Such contexts influence a child's beliefs, identities, and values as they prepare to embark upon their upcoming teenage years. In Assessment 2, you'll use case studies of three children to explore how individual factors can influence development and relationships.