First grade typically marks the end of this period. Children master the fundamental skills of reading, writing, and arithmetic, and they are formally exposed to the larger world and its culture. Achievement becomes a more central theme of the child s world, and self-control increases. Adolescence is the developmental period of transition from childhood to early adulthood, entered approximately at ten to twelve years of age and ending between eighteen and twenty years of age. At this point in development, the pursuit of independence and an identity are prominent.
Thought is more logical, abstract, and idealistic.
More and more time is spent outside of the family during this period. Today, develpmentalists do not believe that change ends with adolescence. They describe development as a lifelong process. Also, there is debate over whether development is more continuous and smooth or more discontinuous and stage-like. Furthermore, some believe that development has more to do with early experience while others believe it has more to do with late experience.