Which behavior indicates continuity of development in children?

The correct answer highlights the concept of continuity in child development, which refers to the process through which children build upon existing skills and knowledge to acquire new abilities. When children add new skills based on their already acquired abilities, it demonstrates that their development is not random but rather follows a systematic and cumulative pattern.

This approach aligns with developmental theories that suggest that growth is not merely a series of isolated behaviors but rather a progression where new skills enhance and expand upon earlier competencies. For instance, a child who learns to walk is able to develop further locomotor skills, such as running or climbing, illustrating continuity of development.

In contrast, behaviors like learning unrelated new behaviors, jumping developmental stages randomly, or struggling with new concepts without any prior knowledge suggest gaps or abrupt shifts in development, which do not exhibit this continuity. Therefore, the continuous layering of skills reflects a coherent and unified process of growth that is integral to understanding child development.