Final answer:
During the toddler stage (1-3 years old), children undergo significant physical and cognitive development. They achieve milestones such as walking, talking in sentences, and gaining fine and gross motor skills. This period lays the groundwork for increased independence and learning.
Step-by-step explanation:
Description of Toddler Stage (1-3 Years Old)
A toddler is a child aged 1 to 3 years. During this vital stage of childhood, growth rates are still comparatively quick, although they have slowed from the infant phase. Typical physical milestones for toddlers include, but are not limited to, walking (with or without assistance), developing motor skills for using utensils, and enhanced coordination allowing for activities such as running and climbing.
By age two, toddlers generally experience significant language development, starting to combine words into simple sentences. They are also learning to engage with others, although they still require considerable guidance and monitoring. Cognitive development in toddlers is characterized by the capacity to recognize and follow routines and the beginnings of imaginative play.
By the end of the toddler stage, around age three, children have developed enough physical coordination for climbing stairs one foot per step and handling small objects. They can construct complex block structures, express themselves in short and simple sentences, and have started to master toilet training. This age of early childhood marks a dramatic shift in independence, with children starting to form their own preferences and engage in more complex play.