2.3 CHILDREN 46 When does puberty start in boys and girls? Adults tend to forget events from their early childhood up until they are about 4.5 years old. What do you remember about your own early childhood? boisterous: allegro e chiassoso to handle: gestire peer: pari to play make-believe: giocare a far finta di willingness: volont 100 BABIES AND CHILDREN PHYSICAL AND INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT Each step of a child s growth is different. Changes occur at various ages, until they enter a new step, puberty . From 1 to 2 years Children become more aware of their own behaviour and that of the other people around them. They want to learn and start communicating through words as well as facial expressions. They: talk a little and understand words and ideas; love stories and ride-on toys; can walk, climb stairs, and run; use a spoon and a fork; have some friends and start to play make-believe. From 2 to 3.5 years Children experience big changes in social, intellectual, and emotional abilities. They start to explore more, so child safety is a top priority. They: like learning new things; increase their vocabulary; run everywhere; get frustrated easily; act more independently. From 3.5 to 5 years At this age many children will start interacting with other children and teachers. These experiences will teach them to develop their own personality and to express their emotions in a variety of ways. They: have a longer attention span; are silly, boisterous, and might use language that is not nice; ask lots of questions; like playing with friends, but do not like losing; start sharing and taking turns. From 5 to 8 years Children start to develop more independence. They can dress themselves, like to have their own friends, and social skills are important to them. Physical changes happen quickly, and they start gaining confidence with the surrounding world. They: are curious about people and how the world works; are interested in numbers, letters, reading, and writing; have more confidence in their physical skills; use words to express their feelings; like grown-up activities; like to meet more children and start to play more cooperatively. From 8 to 10/11 years Peer friendship becomes important in their social and emotional development. Their sense of independence grows and, with it, the confidence to solve problems and the willingness to take on risks. They: learn to cooperate and don t like playing alone; start handling peer pressure; begin to self-evaluate and laugh at themselves; start using problem-solving, negotiating, and compromising skills; become sensitive to what others think of them and to adult approval; can change emotions quickly; begin to develop their own ideas and points of view; start taking on more responsibilities and routines; develop competitiveness.