Orphans and Vulnerable Children - CRIN

Growth, Development and Change in Children

In this activity, you will:

 Define growth, development and change in children

Facilitator’s notes:

Changes accompanying growth:
The changes that occur when a child is growing include physical, psychological/emotional, social
and intellectual changes. For all these changes to take place at the right stage, the child’s environment
has to be favourable.

Examples of physical changes:

• Weight gain


• Increase in body size.

Examples of social changes:

• Formation of friendships


• Independent thinking.

Examples of intellectual changes:

• Taking independent decisions


• Becoming inquisitive


• Increased sensitivity to the environment around them.

Activity 1

Definition of Growth and Development:

Growthrefers to physical changes in the body, with special focus on the growth of the

skeletal system (bones), muscles and the brain.

Physiological growth starts at conception and continues through to 25 years of age.

Developmentaccompanies growth. At each stage of physical growth, we also expect social,

psychological, cognitive (intellectual), emotional and moral development. (Cole and Cole, 2001)

A

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Physical security

Shelter

Love and care

Guidance and education

Emotional security

Food and good nutrition

Peer relationships and

friendships

Guide to Mobilising and Strengthening Community-Led Care for Orphans and Vulnerable Children Unit 2, Module 2^161