Domains of Development | Free LET Reviewer and Drill

Child & Adolescent Learners and Learning Principles

Lesson 13: Domains of Development

Domains of Development

• also referred to as areas of development which include: Physical Development, Social/Emotional Development, Language Development, and Cognitive Development.

Physical Development

Physical development is about how the body grows stronger and gains control over movement. It has two main parts:

Gross motor development uses the large muscles in the body, like those in the legs, arms, and chest. These muscles help us do big movements such as running, jumping, climbing, or throwing a ball. For example, when a child learns to ride a bike or play basketball, they are using their gross motor skills.

• gross motor development - the LARGE muscles in the body such as legs, arms, and the chest.

Fine motor development uses the small muscles, especially in the hands, fingers, lips, and tongue. These muscles help us do small, detailed movements such as writing, buttoning a shirt, or speaking clearly. For example, when a child learns to hold a pencil, tie shoelaces, or play a musical instrument, they are practicing fine motor skills.

• fine motor development - the SMALL muscles such as those in the hand, fingers, lips and tongue.

Social/Emotional Development

Social and emotional development is about how people see themselves, how they feel about their own worth, and how they connect with others. It includes two important parts:

• Self‑concept is how a person views themselves. For example, a child may see themselves as a good student, a helpful friend, or someone who enjoys drawing.
• Self‑esteem is how much a person values themselves. For example, a child who feels proud of finishing a puzzle or doing well in class is showing healthy self‑esteem.

This area of development also involves learning how to express feelings in the right way and how to build relationships. For instance, a young child may first learn to share toys, while older children and teenagers learn how to cooperate, show empathy, and handle conflicts with friends.

Language Development 

Language development is about how people learn to understand and use language as they grow. It has two main parts:

• Receptive language is the ability to understand what others say or write. For example, when a baby follows the instruction “Come here” or when a child understands a story being read aloud, they are showing receptive language.
• Expressive language is the ability to share ideas through speaking or writing. For example, when a toddler says “milk” to ask for a drink, or when a student writes a short paragraph, they are using expressive language.

These two parts work together. First, children usually understand more words than they can say. Over time, as they hear and practice language, they become better at expressing themselves.

Cognitive (Intellectual) Development 

Cognitive (intellectual) development is about how people learn to think, reason, and understand the world around them. It includes skills like paying attention, imagining, solving problems, using logic, organizing information, and understanding symbols such as numbers, letters, or pictures.

For example, when a young child learns to stack blocks in order, they are practicing concentration and problem‑solving. When a student learns to add and subtract, they are using symbols (numbers) and logic. When teenagers debate ideas or plan for the future, they are showing higher levels of thinking.

Language and cognitive development are closely connected. As children learn more words, they can also think about more complex ideas. For instance, a toddler may only think in simple terms like “milk” or “toy,” but as their language grows, they can express and understand bigger ideas like “sharing,” “tomorrow,” or “why things happen.”

Robert J. Havighurst

Developmental Tasks (Robert Havighyrst, 1972) A Developmental Task is a task that arises at a certain period in our life, the successful achievement of which leads to happiness and success with later tasks while failure leads to unhappiness, social disapproval, and difficulty with later tasks.

A developmental task is something that a person needs to learn or accomplish at a certain stage of life. These tasks are shaped by three main factors:

• Physical maturation (natural growth of the body and mind)
• Cultural expectations (what society expects at a certain age)
• Personal values and goals (what the individual wants to achieve)

💡Remember this:

“Havighurst - Life tasks by stage. Success → happiness & readiness; Failure → difficulty & disapproval.”

Domains of Development Quiz: click here

“If you truly understand, comment your reflection in at least 3-5 sentences or more about this lesson.”
With God’s grace, you’ll surely pass the upcoming board exam! 🙏

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