How does development proceed according to the principle of continuous development?

Development proceeds according to the principle of continuous development by emphasizing that earlier acquired skills form the foundation upon which new skills are built. This understanding is rooted in the belief that learning and growth are gradual, with each stage of development connected to previous experiences and knowledge. As children gain new abilities, they refine and expand upon prior skills, leading to increasingly complex behaviors and thought processes.

For example, a child may first learn to crawl, which enhances their ability to explore their environment. This exploration can lead to walking, and then running, each skill building upon previous capabilities. This continuity is fundamental in understanding child development, as it highlights the cumulative nature of learning and growth.

In contrast, the other options suggest disconnectedness or abrupt changes that do not align with the continuous development principle. Skills are not developed in isolation or unrelated to one another; rather, they interact and build over time. This principle underscores the importance of understanding child development as a dynamic and interconnected process.