| When discussing child and youth development, there are five basic domains. Each is explained briefly below. You can click on the domain to go to a page with more information, including links to activities to support that development. |
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Physical – how we move “The process of gaining control of our large and small muscles as well as the use of the senses.” |
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Cognitive – how we think “It is not the same as intelligence. It is “the construction of thought processes, including remembering, problem solving, and decision-making, from childhood through adolescence to adulthood.” – Gale Encyclopedia of Children’s Health |
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Communication and Language – how we interact Communication is “the expression of ideas, thoughts, and feelings to others.” Language is a system of words and the rules for their use in speaking, listening, reading and writing. – adapted from Caring for Children in School-Age Programs |
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Social and Emotional – how we feel “The capacity to recognize and manage emotions, solve problems effectively, and establish positive relationships with others.” – Joseph E. Zins and Maurice J. Elias, “Social and Emotional Learning” |
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Self – who we are “Understanding who you are [and] how you identify yourself in terms of culture, environment, physical attributes, preferences, skills, and experiences.” – from Caring for Children in School-Age Programs II |
| Above information from Francis Institute for Child and Youth Development (2014). Professionall Development for Afterschool/Youth Workers (a series of 24 modules). Metropolitan Community College; Kansas City, MO. |
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Toolbox Training Resources:
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