Analyse the difference between sequence of development and rate of development and why the distinction is important.
It is important to know the difference between the sequence and the rate of development, as it helps to identify the child’s abilities and needs during these stages. The sequencing of development assists you to prepare and plan effectively and at the right time in anticipation for the next development stage to be reached. The sequence of development is not to be confused with the rate of development as every child will progress and grow at different speeds. The rate of development however, is when individuals reach certain milestones and at the speed of which they do so, and the rate is also about recognising and identifying and concerns in development and how you can adapt and assist learning and development. The sequence usually remains relatively the same in each child, but the rate at which many milestones are achieved can vary greatly in different children.
Sequence of Development
Sequence of development refers to the fact that development usually follows the same basic pattern, that is skills are usually acquired in the same order. The sequence of development is a definite order of milestones that children and young people meet and accomplish. This means that children must first finish one area of development before moving to another developmental milestone. If a child has difficulty meeting a milestone, it can mean some delay in other areas too.
These developments can vary in each child. Developments in social and emotional, physical, intellectual and language begin from birth and continue into adolescents and it’s within these areas that a sequence is formed.
An example of this could be that a baby will learn to hold their head up before learning to sit unaided. Or a child will learn to walk before they can run.
Rate of Development
Rate of development refers to the speed at which the child’s development takes...