Philippine ChristianUuniversity

1641 Taft Avenue cor Pedro Gil, Manila

Graduate School in Business

Course Title: Innovative Educational Strategies and Techniques

(E - Learning, SPED, ECE,, LTP, LS )
3RD Trimester, SY 2022 - 2023

Name; MAILA L. PAGUYAN Program: MMEM

Professor: Doc Rafael Balignasay Date Submitted; May 27, 2023

A Research Paper on

(CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT)

The rationale for studying childhood development is multi-faceted and rooted in the
recognition of its significance for individual well-being, societal progress, and the overall promotion of
human potential. Childhood is a critical period of rapid growth and development, laying the foundation
for future physical, cognitive, social, and emotional functioning. The researcher aims to gain deeper
understanding of the processes and factors that shape human development from infancy to adolescence.
Understanding the typical developmental milestones and potential risk factors, parents, caregivers,
educators, and healthcare professionals, the researcher could know the appropriate support and
interventions to optimize children’s development and well-being. The researcher also aims to
understand how children learn, develop language skills, and acquire knowledge regarding effective
teaching strategies, curriculum design, and educational policies. Effective parenting practices and
promoting positive discipline strategies support children’s development. By studying childhood
development, the researcher can identify factors that contribute to positive outcomes like educational
attainment, employment, and social integration. The researcher will help provides valuable insights into
the processes and factors that shape human development, with the goal of optimizing children’s well-
being. Fostering educational success and building a thriving society. This journal research aims to
investigate the influence of childhood experiences on the development of social, emotional, physical,
and mental abilities. Early childhood is a critical period for the formation of foundational skills and
capacities in these domains, which significantly impact later life outcomes. Understanding the specific
factors that contribute to the development of these abilities can inform interventions and policies aimed
at promoting positive childhood development.

According to Leslie Arey (2019), prenatal or antenatal development is the process

encompassing the period from formation of an embryo through the development of a fetus to birth. The
prenatal environment, including factors such as maternal health, nutrition, stress levels, and exposure to
substances can significantly impact the developing fetus. Prenatal development affects social
development. For example, a healthy prenatal environment promotes the development of the central
nervous system including the brain which plays a critical role in social cognition, emotional regulation,
and social skills. A pregnant woman should not be exposed to toxins or maternal stress because it may
lead to alterations in brain development, affecting social behavior and social interactions in life.
Prenatal development also influences cognitive abilities such as attention, memory, language
acquisition, and problem-solving skills. The developing brain is vulnerable to prenatal insults, and
disruptions during this period can have long lasting effects on cognitive functioning. Adequate prenatal
nutrition, stimulation, and a nurturing environment are crucial for optimal brain development. The
developing brain is particularly vulnerable during this period, and any disruptions or adverse influences
have a long-term consequence. Adequate prenatal nutrition, including essential nutrients like folate and
omega 3-fatty acids, is essential for optimal brain development. If a pregnant woman will be careless, it
can lead to cognitive impairments and learning difficulties. Prenatal experiences can also impact the
emotional development of an individual. It influences the development of limbic system, which is
involved in emotional regulation and the experience of emotions. Maternal stress during pregnancy can
affect the developing fetus, leading to altered stress response systems and increased risk of emotional
problems later in life. If a pregnant woman has supportive environment, then it is not possible for
healthy emotional development. Prenatal development also shapes the physical aspects of a human,
including growth, organ development, and overall health. The fetus undergoes rapid growth and
development during this period. Adequate nutrition, maternal health, and prenatal care play vital roles
in supporting proper physical development. Nutritional deficiencies or exposure to harmful substances
like alcohol, drugs, and tobacco can lead to growth restrictions, birth defects, and long-term physical
health issues. It also affects the development of organ systems, such as respiratory, cardiovascular, and
nervous systems which impact physical health and functioning throughout life. Physical and mental
development are interconnected with each other and disruptions in one aspect can affect the other. For
example, certain physical conditions or birth complications can impact brain development and
cognitive functioning. Additionally, prenatal factors can have indirect effects on mental and physical
health by influencing epigenetic modifications, which can affect gene expression patterns and
susceptibility to various health conditions. It's worth highlighting that while prenatal development sets
the stage for mental and physical characteristics, postnatal experiences, including environmental
factors, nutrition, healthcare, and early childhood experiences, continue to shape and influence these
aspects throughout life. Nonetheless, recognizing the significance of prenatal development emphasizes
the importance of providing pregnant individuals with optimal prenatal care, support, and resources to
promote the healthy development of both the mental and physical aspects of the child.

According to Candice Hughes (June 2017), her study about social, emotional, and physical
development shown that infants grow by consistently interacting with them. The infancy stage, which
typically spans from birth to around two years of age, is a critical period during which significant
social, emotional, physical, and mental development occurs in children. Infancy is a time when babies
begin to develop social skills and form relationships with their caregivers and others. Infants starts to
engage in social interactions such as eye contact, smiling, and vocalizing, Positive and responsive
interactions with caregivers are crucial for establishing secure attachments, which serve as the
foundation for healthy social development. The quality of caregiver-infant interactions during infancy
influences a child's ability to trust, develop social bonds, and understand and regulate emotions.
According to the American Pregnancy Association, an infant may learn to smile back at you when you
hold her/him, or she/he may even begin babbling as if trying to speak to you. Social development
affects how babies play with other children and adults as she/he grows. If the baby is delayed in this
developmental area, she/he may have a problem with eyesight or hearing, so she will be less able to
learn from your cues. Infancy is a period of significant emotional development. Babies start to
experience and express a range of emotions, including joy, sadness, fear, and anger. They learn to
recognize and respond to the emotions of others. Responsive caregiving, where caregivers attune to and
meet the infant's emotional needs, plays a crucial role in supporting emotional development. A secure
emotional bond with caregivers fosters a sense of safety, trust, and emotional well-being in infants. In
the first six months of development, the baby will respond to your love and attention by developing a
sense of trust, according to the National Network for Child Care. At the same time, the baby will
express his emotions, anger, happiness, excitement, or fright. Between six and 12 months, the child will
get angry when his needs are not met but will also smile when content and relaxed. Infancy is
characterized by rapid physical growth and the development of motor skills. During this stage, infants
gain control over their bodies and progress from basic reflexes to more sophisticated movements. They
learn to roll over, sit, crawl, stand, and eventually walk. Fine motor skills also emerge, enabling them
to grasp objects, feed themselves, and explore their environment. At the time you give birth to your
baby, she won’t be able to sit up on her own nor will she have much control over her large muscles.
The baby will stay at this level of development until she reaches about four months of age, when she
will begin to gain better control of her muscles and nerves. At this point, she will be able to sit up
straight and hold her head up in addition to being able to slightly roll. As the infant continues to
progress, her physical development will amaze you. Adequate nutrition, sensory stimulation, and
opportunities for movement and exploration are essential for supporting healthy physical development
in infancy. Infancy is a period of significant cognitive development, as infants begin to understand and
interact with the world around them. They acquire knowledge through their senses and engage in active
exploration of their environment. Cognitive development in infancy involves processes such as
attention, perception, memory, and problem-solving. Infants develop object permanence, the
understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are out of sight. Responsive interactions,
language exposure, and engaging experiences promote cognitive development in infancy. It's
important to note that these aspects of development: social, emotional, physical, and cognitive are
interconnected and mutually influence each other. For example, a secure emotional bond with
caregivers supports social development and emotional regulation, which, in turn, contributes to
cognitive and physical development. Furthermore, the quality of caregiving and the infant's
environment play significant roles in shaping these developmental domains during infancy.
Understanding the importance of the infancy stage and providing infants with nurturing, responsive,
and stimulating environments can have a profound impact on their social, emotional, physical, and
cognitive development, setting the stage for future growth and well-being.

According to Rebecca Thill, (November 2021), the major domains of childhood development
are physical, cognitive, language, and social emotional. Childhood, the period spanning from early
childhood (around 2-3 years old) to adolescence (typically ending in the late teens), is a crucial phase
of development that significantly influences social, mental, physical, and emotional development.
Childhood is a time when children expand their social relationships beyond their immediate caregivers
and family. They interact with peers, teachers, and other community members, gaining social skills and
navigating various social contexts. Childhood experiences shape social development by providing
opportunities for cooperative play, conflict resolution, empathy, and perspective-taking. Positive
interactions and supportive relationships with peers and adults contribute to the development of social
competence, communication skills, and the ability to form meaningful connections. Childhood is a
period of substantial cognitive growth and development. Children's thinking becomes more complex
and sophisticated as they acquire new knowledge, language skills, and problem-solving abilities. They
develop abstract thinking, creativity, and critical thinking skills. Formal education during childhood
plays a crucial role in mental development, as children gain academic knowledge, literacy, and
numeracy skills. The quality of educational experiences and opportunities for intellectual stimulation
greatly impact mental development during childhood. Childhood is marked by ongoing physical
growth, refinement of motor skills, and increased physical abilities. Children experience changes in
height, weight, and body proportions. Gross motor skills, such as running, jumping, and coordination,
improve, while fine motor skills, like writing and manipulating objects, become more precise.
Childhood is also a critical time for establishing healthy habits related to nutrition, exercise, and sleep,
which are crucial for physical well-being and long-term health. Childhood is a period of significant
emotional development, as children gain a deeper understanding and regulation of their emotions. They
learn to identify and express emotions more accurately, understand the emotions of others, and develop
strategies for managing and coping with various emotional experiences. Childhood experiences,
including the quality of relationships, parenting practices, and exposure to stress or trauma, profoundly
shape emotional development. Nurturing, supportive environments that provide emotional security and
encourage emotional expression contribute to healthy emotional development. Childhood is a time of
rapid vocabulary growth. Children learn new words at an astonishing rate, building their vocabulary
and expanding their understanding of language. They acquire words primarily through exposure and
interactions with their caregivers, family members, and peers. Early childhood experiences, such as
reading books, engaging in conversations, and exposure to rich language environments, greatly
contribute to vocabulary expansion. As children progress through childhood, they develop a deeper
understanding of grammar and syntax, which are the rules governing word order, sentence structure,
and language usage. They acquire more complex grammatical structures, such as verb tenses, plurals,
and sentence clauses. Immersion in a language-rich environment, exposure to varied sentence
structures, and interactions with proficient speakers play important roles in this development.
Childhood is a period when children refine their pragmatic language skills, which involve using
language appropriately in different social contexts. They learn to adjust their language based on the
listener's age, background, and communicative intent. They also develop turn-taking skills,
understanding conversational cues, and using non-verbal communication, such as gestures and facial
expressions, to enhance their communication effectiveness. As children progress through childhood,
they also develop literacy skills, which involve reading and writing. They learn the alphabetic
principle, understanding the relationship between letters and sounds. They acquire phonemic
awareness, the ability to identify and manipulate individual sounds in words. These foundational skills
support reading comprehension, spelling, and written expression. It's important to note that these
aspects of development interact and influence each other. For example, positive social interactions with
peers can contribute to improved mental well-being, while physical health and motor skills can enhance
social participation and self-confidence. Furthermore, the influence of family, school, and community
environments on childhood development should be recognized, as they provide the context within
which these aspects of development unfold. Innovative educational strategies can play a crucial role in
promoting childhood development. As a teacher, I usually integrated strategies like Play-based learning
which recognizes the importance of hands-on, experiential learning through play. It encourages
children to explore, experiment, and problem-solve in a fun and engaging manner. Play-based learning
can be incorporated into various subjects and activities, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and social
skills. Taking learning beyond the classroom and into natural environments can provide unique
educational experiences. Nature-based learning promotes environmental awareness, stimulates
curiosity, and supports physical activity. It can include nature walks, gardening through our project,
“Gulayan sa Paaralan”, and ecological investigations.

According to Natasha Bailen (August 2018), Adolescence is a time of transition from

childhood to adulthood during which significant changes occur across multiple domains, including
emotional experience. This article reviews the relevant literature on adolescents’ experience of four
specific dimensions of emotion: emotional frequency, intensity, instability, and clarity. During
adolescence, individuals typically experience significant changes in emotional frequency, intensity,
instability, and clarity. These changes are influenced by various biological, psychological, and social
factors. Adolescence is characterized by an increase in emotional frequency. Adolescents tend to
experience a wider range of emotions and may have more frequent emotional fluctuations compared to
earlier stages of development. Hormonal changes and brain development during this period contribute
to heightened emotional responsiveness and reactivity. Adolescence is a time when emotions can be
experienced with heightened intensity. Adolescents often feel emotions more intensely, which can lead
to both positive and negative emotional experiences. The increased intensity of emotions is influenced
by the maturation of brain regions involved in emotional processing, such as the limbic system.
Adolescence is also marked by emotional instability or variability. Adolescents may experience rapid
and unpredictable shifts in their emotional states. This emotional instability is partly due to the ongoing
development and integration of emotional regulation skills. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for
cognitive control and emotion regulation, undergoes significant changes during adolescence, leading to
fluctuations in emotional stability. Adolescents may also experience challenges in understanding and
labeling their emotions with clarity. They may struggle to accurately identify and articulate their
feelings, leading to confusion and uncertainty about their emotional experiences. Developing emotional
intelligence and improving emotional awareness and vocabulary are important aspects of emotional
clarity during adolescence. These changes in emotional frequency, intensity, instability, and clarity can
have both positive and negative implications for adolescents. On the positive side, heightened
emotional experiences can contribute to increased passion, motivation, and the formation of close
relationships. However, the intense and fluctuating emotions can also make adolescents more
vulnerable to mood swings, impulsive behavior, and emotional distress. It's important to note that the
experience of emotions during adolescence can vary greatly among individuals due to factors such as
temperament, social context, and personal experiences. Providing support and guidance to adolescents
in understanding and navigating their emotions can help promote emotional well-being and foster the
development of healthy emotional regulation skills.
According to Livia Tomova, PhD, (June 2020), Adolescence (the stage between 10 and 24
years) is a period of life characterized by heightened sensitivity to social stimuli and the increased need
for peer interaction. Adolescence is a critical period for the development of social skills, identity
formation, and the establishment of meaningful relationships. Social deprivation can hinder the
acquisition of these skills, leading to difficulties in forming and maintaining friendships, developing
empathy, and understanding social norms and cues. I agree that the physical distancing measures
mandated globally to contain the spread of COVID-19 are radically reducing adolescents' opportunities
to engage in face-to-face social contact outside their household. I observed that when my students go
back to face to face set up, they are shy, timid, and not sociable. This is the negative effect of
pandemic. They struggle with social interactions, experience loneliness, and have limited opportunities
for social support. Social deprivation can contribute to emotional and psychological distress among
adolescents. The absence of social connections and support systems can lead to feelings of isolation,
low self-esteem, and a sense of not belonging. Many of them experience increased levels of stress,
anxiety, and depression because of social deprivation. Social deprivation is associated with a higher
risk of developing mental health issues during adolescence. The lack of supportive relationships and
social networks can contribute to the onset or exacerbation of conditions such as depression, anxiety
disorders, and substance abuse. These are evident during pandemic lockdown. Adolescents who
experience social deprivation may also be at a higher risk of self-harm or suicidal ideation. Social
deprivation can negatively impact educational and academic outcomes. The absence of supportive
social environments can hinder motivation, engagement, and academic achievement. Adolescents who
lack social connections may have limited access to resources, mentorship, and positive role models,
which can hinder their educational development and future opportunities. The lack of positive social
influences and support can contribute to a higher likelihood of engaging in substance abuse,
delinquency, and unsafe sexual practices. These behaviors can have long-term negative consequences
for their physical and mental health. Addressing social deprivation in adolescence is crucial for
promoting positive development and mental health. Interventions should focus on providing
opportunities for socialization, fostering supportive relationships, and creating inclusive environments.
This can involve promoting participation in community activities, mentoring programs, group therapy,
and educational interventions that emphasize social interaction and belongingness. It's important to
note that the effects of social deprivation can vary depending on the duration, severity, and individual
resilience factors. Early identification and intervention are crucial to mitigate the negative impacts of
social deprivation and support healthy adolescent development. Innovative educational strategies can
greatly contribute to the development of adolescents, addressing their unique needs and fostering their
overall growth.

Currently, as an adviser and AP teacher in Grade 8 level at Sagad High School, I am using
different strategies that will help my students get back on track. I’m working especially on their social
skills. Among the best strategies I used is Experiential Learning. Experiential learning involves actively
engaging adolescents in direct experiences that connect classroom learning to real-life situations. This
can include field trips, internships, simulations, and service-learning opportunities. Experiential
learning promotes active engagement, reflection, and the application of knowledge and skills in
practical contexts. This coming June 7, 2023, our school will be having off campus activity. Finally,
this is the best start for the students who experience social deprivation. I also utilize project -based
learning. It allows them to engage in hands-on, real-world projects that are relevant to their interests
and experiences. It promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication
skills. They can work on interdisciplinary projects that require research, analysis, and creative
solutions, fostering deeper learning and autonomy. I always require them to research, especially the
topic I assigned to them for group reporting. I tap reporters who are mostly shy and timid and let them
overcome their fear. Those students who are not so good in oral recitation but better in written works
especially doing reflections and reactions. During the first quarter I trained my students how to report
in front of class, until I gave them topics during the 2nd and 3 rd quarter. It surprised me that they have
talents in communication skills. They could create and present their topics using PowerPoint or canva
app. Lucky my students, every classroom has smart TV so they could present their reports
comprehensively. I also used roleplay activities so they could improve their social skills in showing
their emotions and creativity. During Homeroom Guidance, I usually let them share their emotions,
problems, and struggles in life. I found out that most of them have broken families, insecure with their
physical features, some have asthma and heart illness so it’s hard for them to share what they truly felt.
As an adviser, it’s hard but I just focus on how to lift them up, choosing the positive language that will
help them stay at school. Regular checking of their emotions will help them avoid social deprivation,
engaging them to different school activities like promoting Araling Panlipunan Club helps them
develop their social skills. As an AP Club Adviser, I encourage my officers to think up a project
proposal that links to all the clubs in school so they could help each other and get familiar with the
leaders and officers. At this point they are moving socially, encouraging them to actively lead the
school. I help them navigate challenges, develop resilience, and broaden their perspectives according to
their project proposal. There are so many ways to improve their social-emotional skills. Letting them
feel the sense of belongingness has great importance. Incorporating social-emotional learning into the
curriculum helps adolescents develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, and responsible
decision-making skills. SEL programs provide opportunities for discussing and addressing topics like
mental health, stress management, conflict resolution, and building positive relationships.
Implementing innovative educational strategies for adolescent development requires a supportive and
adaptable educational system. It is essential to consider the diverse needs, interests, and backgrounds of
adolescents and provide opportunities for their active engagement and self-expression. Collaborative
efforts involving educators, parents, community members, and policymakers are critical to ensure the
success and effectiveness of these strategies.

This research journal emphasizes the influential role of early childhood experiences in the
development of social, emotional, physical, and mental abilities. The findings demonstrate the
importance of positive family dynamics, peer interactions, physical activity, and cognitive stimulation
in fostering holistic development during early childhood. By recognizing the significance of these
factors, policymakers, educators, and caregivers can design interventions and programs that promote
nurturing and stimulating environments for young children, supporting their optimal development
across multiple domains. This journal helps the researcher about the significant associations between
early childhood experiences and the development of social, emotional, physical, and mental abilities.
Positive family dynamics, including warm and supportive parenting, were found to be related to higher
levels of social competence and emotional well-being in children. Furthermore, children who had
positive peer interactions and opportunities for social engagement displayed greater social skills and
emotional regulation. Physical activity and access to stimulating environments were associated with
better physical health and cognitive abilities. If a teacher would always emphasize this matter with the
help of parents/guardians or stakeholders, then it’s not hard to create respectable, responsible, and well-
mannered citizens someday. As an adviser and AP teacher, I always prioritize the well-being and
development of my students, so I could lay the groundwork for their brighter future and promote
thriving individuals and communities.
 REFERENCES:

HUGHES, CANDICE, June 13, 2017. The Social, Emotional & Physical Development of Infants |
Hello Motherhood

BAILEN, NATASHA, August 2, 2018. Understanding Emotion in Adolescents: A Review of

Emotional Frequency, Intensity, Instability, and Clarity - Natasha H. Bailen, Lauren M. Green, Renee
J. Thompson, 2019 (sagepub.com)

AREY, LESLIE (2019). Prenatal development | Description, Stages, & Timeline | Britannica

TOMOVA, LIVIA, June 12, 2020.. The effects of social deprivation on adolescent development and
mental health - The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health

THILL, REBECCA, November 27, 2021. Developmental Domains: How Children Grow and Change
(verywellfamily.com)