Child Development Theory - Assignment Example

1. How should we view children according to the NSW Early Childhood Curriculum Framework? The children are not only future citizens but also now with rights to be respected as a full human being and to be equal partners in responsibilities. The child has to be nurtured with a positive predisposition towards other human beings. Hence investments have to be made in their learning and lives because they matter in the present. 2. Why is it important to understand childrens development? Merely an attitude of respect towards the child is not sufficient. This attitude of respect has to be effectively transferred into practice to help the child develop. Understanding the child’s development at each stage increases the professional’s ability to match and cater to each child individually. It serves as a reference point for understanding and highlighting achievements, and alerting professional for individual differences. 3. List the 5 principles of development. a. every child has strengths in some areas of development b. each child’s pattern of development is unique c. development is affected by the combination of genetic background, heredity, experience and environment. d. Cultural background affects development e. When the acquisition of skills and knowledge is significantly behind what is considered normal, the developmental delay should be paid attention to. 4. List the stages of development. a. The first five years lays the foundation of all learning. b. over the early years they develop a sense of the self. c. In the second and third years of life they struggle with separateness and identity. 5. From your study of child development theory list the 5 areas of development. (I am not aware what you have studied, so you may change this if necessary). a. Physical and mental health b. Education c. Self-confidence d. morality and spirituality e. Intellect 6. List the areas of development as outlined in the NSW Early Childhood Curriculum Framework. a. The child’s sense of self b. The communicating child c. The thinking child d. The healthy, physically active child e. The social child f. The feeling child g. The creative child h. The spiritual and moral child. 7. What things can influence the development of the child? Different social, cultural and community contexts can influence the development of the child. Each child is unique and the individual characteristics affect development. The child’s state of well being also influences development. Highlighting the child’s disabilities and comparing it with others can damage the process of development and learning. 8. What do you understand by the term physical development? Gaining control over the body, being able to walk, climb and run, being able to use the limbs in the right manner, being able to understand and communicate, eat healthy and safe food, having the ability to be a part of the community. 9. What things can we do as caregivers to support the development of the healthy, physical and active child? (NSW Early Childhood Curriculum Framework p24) Linking past experiences with the present situations, combining various areas of knowledge and experience, making the strengths, interests and rights of every child cohesive, providing individualized experience to each child, looking beyond behavior and reflecting on the messages behind the behavior, are some of the things caregivers can do. 10. List the steps of physical development which indicate that the child is gaining control of his/her body (NSW Curriculum Framework p 67). a. Gross Motor Development gaining control of the head, learning to sit alone, reaching out to grasp objects in the first year. Creeping, crawling and then walking – they are able to decide about their own experience. Use of hands and fingers become refined, becoming skilled at self-feeding, picking up small objects, using crayons, picking up writing and drawing instruments, cutting with scissors. b. Fine Motor Development throwing and catching balls, climbing etc have to be supported by professionals who respond to children’s interest and efforts. 11. How does a child develop a sense of self? Through daily experience he builds a sense of identity, determines his dependence on others. He develops a sense of self-esteem, and values his beliefs. He is willing to improve himself and develops confidence that he will be able to achieve it. The sense of self is derived from the relationship with other people. He wants to see himself as a valued contributor to the society. 12. What can we do as child care professionals to help a child develop a sense of self? As child care professionals we should give due recognition to the child on the assumption that each child has unique characteristics. The individual strengths and interests should be identified and the child should be helped to develop a positive and realistic sense of self. Encouragement when necessary and disapproval of undesirable behavior in a decent way should be demonstrated. Professionals should help the children to know and understand themselves. 13. What things can we do to help children develop their communication skills? Professionals should provide a conducive environment where usage of rich language is encouraged, and children have space and opportunity to communicate and respond. Encourage children to use verbal and non-verbal forms of communication, professionals should also respond to children’s attempt to communicate in a meaningful way. Children should be encouraged to recognize the power of language and the non-verbal form of communication. 14. What things can we provide to enable children to demonstrate their creativity? We can provide an environment that is safe and secure and they know help is at hand when needed. We can provide a rich environment with props, materials and equipment. We can encourage group projects and collaboration and give them the confidence that in case they fail, starting all over again is not an issue. 15. Why is the provision of opportunities for creativity important for children? Creativity is life enhancing and self defining. Children learn to express ideas using a wide range of media, they realize that not all problems are easy to handle but good solutions can be obtained. Children also realize that working with others is a pleasurable activity. Ultimately it adds to build a sense of the self. 16. What are some social skills that children learn? They develop a sense of belonging to the larger community, they develop skills is interacting with other children and adults, they learn to appreciate others, work in a group, learn to care, they are motivated to eradicate injustice, they learn to honor diversity and they develop a capacity to control behavior from within. 17. How do children learn these social skills? They learn from the way they are treated and from their interactions with others. They learn to read the situation and know when to use the skills. 18. In what ways do children express their feelings or emotions? They express their feeling through actions or play and particularly dramatic play. Expressions like frustration at not being accepted by a group may manifest itself in the child trying to disturb the group. 19. Why do you think developing trust with children is important? Trust acknowledges the legitimacy of feelings, empowers the child to express feelings in constructive ways rather than keeping it to themselves or some may even deny the existence of such feelings. They need a feeling of security to be able to express themselves. 20. How do children learn? Children learn through their relationships and interactions with family members and the members of the society at large. They need a rich physical environment with equipments and materials to engage and learn with. They need diverse talents, strengths and perspectives to learn which comes through interactions and relationships. 21. How can collaboration support childrens learning? Collaboration helps to understand and accept others’ views, helps to grow concern empathy and concern for others. It also helps to develop effective communication ability. They learn to solve problems together and come up with new ideas and meanings. Learning with others is rewarding, exciting and efficient. They learn to meet challenges and relationships are strengthened. 22. Which theorists presented ideas about the development of children in terms of their thinking skills? Contemporary theorists have evolved beyond the stage theorists. They recognize that children’s learning is recognized by many factors and that children are capable of more thinking than was previously understood. 23. What do you understand by the term quality care? 24. According to the National Australian Accreditation Council and the NSW Early Childhood Curriculum Framework, what things contribute to Quality Care? Read More