How does development proceed according to the principles outlined?

Development proceeds from general to specific, meaning that children first develop broad skills before honing in on more specific abilities. This principle highlights how an infant might initially demonstrate motor abilities in a general way—such as moving their arms and legs without precise control. As they grow, these broad movements become more refined and specific, resulting in coordinated actions like reaching for a toy or accurately grasping a small object.

This progression is fundamental in various areas of development, including cognitive, language, and social skills. For instance, a child usually starts with basic language sounds and gradually develops into constructing intricate sentences. Recognizing this pattern helps caregivers and educators understand the typical growth trajectory, enabling them to better support children's developmental milestones.