- Definition of Growth and Development
The terms growth and development are often used as if they both have the same meaning, because they show
the existence of a certain change process that leads to
progress. Growth can be interpreted as a change of nature
quantitative, as a result of external or environmental influences.
Growth implies a change of nature and size
body structure so that more about physical changes.
Apart from the above understanding, growth can be defined as well
as physiological changes as a result of the process
maturation of the physical functions that occur normally in the self
healthy individuals in certain phases. The result of this growth
in the form of increased length of bones, especially the arms and legs,
increase in height and weight and increasingly perfect
bone structure and neural network. This growth will stop
after the maturation or maturity of the individual
In contrast to growth, development is a change
functional qualitative, both from physical functions and
mental as a result of its relation to environmental influences.
Development can also be said as a sequence
a systematic change, in the sense of interdependence
or interplay between physical and psychic spheres and
is a harmonious unity. For example, children are introduced
how to hold a pencil, make the letters and be given
practice by teachers and their parents. Writing ability will
easily and quickly controlled by the child if the training process is given on
when his muscles have grown perfectly, and when to
understand the shape of the letters has been obtained.
Thus the child will be able to hold the pencil and read
form letter. In addition, change is also progressive, meaningful
that the changes that occur are advanced, increased and deep
both qualitatively and quantitatively. Example, change of knowledge
and the ability of the child from the simple to develop in the direction
the more complex Sustainability is another feature of
changes that occur, meaning that the change took place
regular or sequential, not jumping or jumping
accidental element. For example, so that children can run then before
children should be able to crawl and stand first. Through learning
children will develop, and will be able to learn new things.
Development will be achieved because of the learning process, so
children gain new experiences and create new behaviors.
From the above description we can know that growth and
the development of a child has a different but possessing understanding
the continuity of meaning in character building and education
early childhood