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Milestones refer to important points in the development of a particular skill or ability. For example, some (but not all) of the milestones related to gross motor development include rolling over, sitting up, crawling, standing up, cruising, and walking.

The ability to communicate is an important skill. In fact, it is one of the first skills infants and children must master. Infants communicate primarily through crying. Parents and caregivers can become quite adept at interpreting a child’s cry so that they can respond to his or her needs quickly and appropriately.

While nature predisposes humans to language, it is nurture that determines language development. Language development can be facilitated in a number of ways: Adults can modify their speech (i.e., child-directed speech, simplified speech) to help young children attend to and learn the important parts of speech and appropriate syntax; play simple games with children that encourage turn-taking (a characteristic of good communication); and use of scaffolding (e.g., repetition) to help children learn the basics of language and communication (Pinker, 2004). The milestones of language development range from pre-language babbling to multi-word phrases and sentences. Individual and cultural differences can affect the rate and form of language within these milestones.

For this Discussion, you will explore one developmental milestone in infancy and/or toddlerhood as it relates to cognitive, physical, and/or social-emotional development.

To prepare for this Discussion:

• Review the Learning Resources for this week and consider the various developmental milestones in infancy and/or toddlerhood.
• Select only one developmental milestone in infancy and/or toddlerhood as it relates to cognitive, physical, and/or social-emotional development.

By Day 4

Post a brief description of the developmental milestone you selected. Then, explain the impact of missing and meeting the milestone as it relates to cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development in infancy and/or toddlerhood. Use your Learning Resources to support your post. Use proper APA format and citations.

By Day 6

Respond to at least one of your colleagues’ posts and explain the multicultural and/or diversity considerations needed, as they relate to the development of the milestone.

Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting and answer any questions. Note what you have learned and/or any insights that you have gained as a result of your colleagues' comments.

Submission and Grading Information

Grading Criteria

To access your rubric:

Week 5 Discussion Rubric

Post by Day 4 and Respond by Day 6