Noam Chomsky first proposed the Nativist Theory in the 1960s. He believed that Skinner’s Imitation Theory was too basic for children to learn everything from and it is not possible for children to learn speech and language from adults, as they are unique individuals with unique structures. Therefore he stated that humans are born with a Language Acquisition Device that is programmed to develop communication and language skills. Furthermore Chomsky claimed that all humans are born with innate mental structures that give them an instinctive understanding of grammar, this is because all languages share the key rules of grammar. Additionally Chomsky stated a critical period from 2 to 7 years. However, many will object to this critical …show more content…
In 1925 he developed the Maturational theory, in this he stated the stages of normative development for children. These stages specify particular milestones that follow an assigned sequence, using a child’s motor, language, social, adaptive and personal skills and development that can be linked to a child’s overall development to check that the child is reaching normative development. However, this theory can be seen as discriminating for children with special needs or who have English as an additional language as they will always be below what is considered ‘normal’ development. Likewise, parents may be unsure of what stage their child is developmentally at, so the child may become under stimulated leaving them without necessary skills. On the other hand Gesell’s theory can help parents and early years practitioners to stimulate their child through resources and activities for their particular stage of development. …show more content…
This states that a child requires to be held by a parent/carer in order to build an imperative bond with a sensitive, compassionate and responsive adult as they are born with a natural survival mechanism, this lays the foundation for the child’s future mental health and welfare and is critical to the child’s social and emotional development. Additionally Bowlby stated there is a critical period between birth and two and a half years. If a bond has not taken place by the end of this period the child would be damaged socially and emotionally for life. He also believed that all infants form a particularly distinctive attraction to their mother, this is called monotropy. However, if the mother is not obtainable, then another ever-present carer can act as a mother-substitute.