Child Development and Pedagogy Chapter 2: Principles of Child Development notes for JkTET Syllabus

byhomeacademy •February 25, 2026

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Child Development and Pedagogy

Chapter 2: Principles of Child Development

(For JKTET / CTET Examination – Detailed Theory + 20 MCQs)

Introduction

The Principles of Child Development form the core foundation of Child Development and Pedagogy. In JKTET and CTET examinations, conceptual questions are frequently asked from this topic. Understanding these principles helps teachers interpret children’s behaviour scientifically and respond appropriately in classroom situations. Development is not random or accidental; it follows definite patterns and universal laws.

Development is Continuous

Development begins at conception and continues throughout life. It does not stop at adolescence or adulthood. Although growth may stop after maturity, development in terms of knowledge, emotional maturity and social understanding continues lifelong. A teacher must understand that learning opportunities should be provided at every stage because development never ends.

Aspect	Explanation
Starting Point	Conception
Nature	Lifelong process
Implication for Teacher	Continuous learning support
Exam Focus	Development never stops

Development Follows a Pattern

Development occurs in an orderly and predictable sequence. For example, a child first learns to crawl, then stand, and later walk. Similarly, language development begins with babbling, followed by single words, and then sentences. This predictable sequence is universal, though the rate may vary among individuals.

Example Area	Sequence
Motor Development	Sitting → Crawling → Standing → Walking
Language Development	Babbling → Words → Sentences
Emotional Development	Basic emotions → Controlled responses

Development Proceeds from General to Specific

Children initially respond in a general manner and gradually develop specific responses. For example, a baby waves the whole hand before learning to hold objects with fingers. In writing, a child first draws large shapes before writing small letters. This principle is extremely important for primary teaching methods.

Stage	Behaviour
Early Stage	Whole body movement
Later Stage	Controlled finger movement
Teaching Implication	Start with broad activities

Individual Differences

Every child develops at a different pace. Even though the sequence of development is similar, the rate varies. Some children walk at 10 months while others walk at 14 months. Teachers must avoid comparison and respect individual variation. This principle is frequently asked in CTET and JKTET exams.

Basis of Difference	Example
Heredity	Genetic traits
Environment	Family background
Intelligence	Learning speed
Health	Physical growth rate

Development is Interrelated

Different aspects of development such as physical, emotional, social and cognitive development are interconnected. For instance, poor health may affect emotional stability and academic performance. Similarly, social interaction improves language development. A teacher should consider the child as a whole personality.

Area	Influence on Other Areas
Physical	Affects emotional and cognitive growth
Emotional	Influences social relationships
Social	Enhances language and thinking

Cephalocaudal Principle

Development proceeds from head to toe. Infants first gain control over head and neck muscles, then arms, and later legs. This principle explains why babies can hold their head before they can stand or walk.

Proximodistal Principle

Development proceeds from the center of the body outward. A child gains control over shoulder movements before controlling fingers. This principle explains why fine motor skills develop after gross motor skills.

Summary Table for Examination

Principle	Key Concept	Important Exam Keyword
Continuous	Lifelong process	From conception
Patterned	Orderly sequence	Predictable
General to Specific	Broad to detailed control	Whole to part
Individual Differences	Rate varies	No comparison
Interrelated	Holistic development	Whole child
Cephalocaudal	Head to toe	Upper to lower
Proximodistal	Center outward	Inner to outer

20 Most Important MCQs

Development starts from
A. Birth
B. Infancy
C. Conception
D. School age
Answer: C
Development continues till
A. Adolescence
B. Adulthood
C. Old age
D. Throughout life
Answer: D
Crawling before walking shows
A. Individual difference
B. Patterned development
C. Emotional growth
D. Random change
Answer: B
Development from head to toe is called
A. Proximodistal
B. Cephalocaudal
C. Sequential
D. General principle
Answer: B
Development from center to outward is
A. Cephalocaudal
B. Proximodistal
C. Random
D. Social growth
Answer: B
Whole hand movement before finger movement indicates
A. Specific to general
B. General to specific
C. Random growth
D. Moral change
Answer: B
No two children develop exactly alike. This principle is
A. Interrelation
B. Continuity
C. Individual differences
D. Maturation
Answer: C
Emotional and social development are
A. Separate
B. Interrelated
C. Opposite
D. Independent
Answer: B
Language development follows
A. No pattern
B. Sudden change
C. Definite sequence
D. Reverse order
Answer: C
Fine motor skills develop after
A. Cognitive skills
B. Gross motor skills
C. Emotional growth
D. Language
Answer: B
Development is
A. Sudden
B. Discontinuous
C. Continuous
D. Fixed
Answer: C
Predictable order of development means
A. Random
B. Patterned
C. Static
D. Fixed at birth
Answer: B
Control over neck muscles appears before
A. Finger control
B. Head control
C. No control
D. Emotional maturity
Answer: A
Teaching according to development principle means
A. Comparing children
B. Ignoring slow learners
C. Respecting individual pace
D. Punishing delays
Answer: C
Development is influenced by
A. Heredity only
B. Environment only
C. Both heredity and environment
D. None
Answer: C
Walking after standing indicates
A. Disorder
B. Patterned sequence
C. Delay
D. Disability
Answer: B
The principle most important for classroom diversity is
A. Cephalocaudal
B. Individual differences
C. Proximodistal
D. Growth
Answer: B
Development is considered
A. Fragmented
B. Holistic
C. Isolated
D. Limited
Answer: B
Gross motor skills involve
A. Small muscles
B. Large muscles
C. Brain only
D. Emotional control
Answer: B
In JKTET, principles of development are mainly asked to test
A. Memorization
B. Conceptual understanding
C. Calculation
D. Language ability
Answer: B

Tags: JKTET