I've read the part of History of Middle-Earth that explains about the Elves and their lifespan, and I can confirm what sharrafrost said.
They are just like humans are as children in playfulness and curiosity, but there are also other diffences which the eye can't see at first. They age much slower - they're in full stature at 50 years (similar to 20 in human years) but they don't reach maturity until 100 years. Though they already learn to speak, and even sing when they're 1 year old.