Learn About Children Chapter 1

Chapter Objectives Explain the best way to learn about children. Identify three areas of childhood that researchers have studied. Summarize how children learn and develop important skills. List the stages of development after childhood. Determine why observation is important in the study of child development. Compare and contract different methods of observation and interpretation.

Section 1.1 Make a Difference in Children’s Lives

Main idea Caregivers use their skills and knowledge to interact with children. Caregivers can make a positive difference in a child’s life. Childhood is viewed differently today than in past years.

Vocabulary Typical behavior Caregiver Impact Moral Content Vocabulary Academic Vocabulary Typical behavior Caregiver Impact Moral

Benefits of studying Children Help you understand why children behave and develop the way they do. Typical behavior – way of acting or responding at each stage of childhood. It is the most important responsibility anyone can have. Children learn by observing how others interact and react.

Views of Childhood Childhood is known to be: A period of rapid growth and development A time of dependence on caregivers – a person who takes care of a child. Preparation for adult life. Children learn through play. What games did you play as children??? How did these games help you to develop?

Views of Childhood Past Present Health Disease Many diseases controlled Education Single classroom Students grouped Love Unchanged Work Children worked Children get education Play Few toys Endless toys Dress Formal Casual

Health Polio Smallpox Chicken pox Measles Mumps Tuberculosis

Education Not many people got an education. Many schools were in one classroom.

Love Itself is unchanged. Have changed the way that we parent.

Work

Play Few toys, children had to use imagination. Lots of toys and options.

Dress

Section 1.2 Studying Children

Main Idea Childhood is an important time of physical, mental, and emotional development. A child’s heredity and environment affect development. Development continues throughout the life cycle.

Vocabulary Stimulation Heredity Environment Self-esteem Content Vocabulary Academic Vocabulary Stimulation Heredity Environment Self-esteem Human life cycle Developmental task Theory Sequence

Importance of Childhood Development Childhood prepares us for adulthood. Babies receiving stimulation develop more quickly and have a more secure self-image. Any activity that arouses a baby’s sense of sight, sound, taught, taste, and smell. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUV65sV8nu0

Characteristics of Development Development is similar for each individual. Development builds upon earlier learning. Development proceeds at an individual rate. Different areas of development are interrelated. Development continues throughout life.

Influence of Development Heredity and environment influence a child’s development. Nature vs. Nurture. Most agree that they work together. Heredity – the biological transfer of certain characteristics from earlier generations. Environment – people, places, and things that surround and influence a person, including family, home, school, and community. What are some ways environment might affect development? Create a T-chart with heredity and environmental traits.

The Role of Self-esteem in Development Self-esteem affects the ability to handle the challenges of each development stage. Self-esteem – self-worth; the value people place on themselves. Researchers have linked low self-esteem to Poor school performance Truancy Criminal behavior What are 6 ways to help children develop self-esteem?

Stages of Life After Childhood Human life cycle – set of stages of human development that each present different challenges to be met or skills to be acquired. Developmental task – the challenge to be met or skill to be acquired in each stage of life.

Stages of Life After Childhood Adolescence – the stage of life between childhood and adulthood. Creating an identity Becoming independent Pursuing education and careers Young adulthood – refers to people in their twenties. Finish their education Marry The thirties – from around age 29 to 39. Establish roots Reevaluate life choices Finding stability in career and relationships

Stages of Life After Childhood Middle age – around age 40 to 55 Parents adjust as their children become more independent May make life choices such as starting a new career Late adulthood – around age 55-75 May retire Become more politically or socially active, travel, take classes, ore enjoy hobbies May take on a part time job or enjoy spending time with grandchildren Very late adulthood – beyond age 75 when health problems become more common. Can still be active and contribute their knowledge and experience to society Some need more assistance because of their fragile health

Section 1.3 Observing Young Children

Main Idea An important component in learning and understanding child development is observation. Observation allows caregivers to better understand individual children and their particular needs.

Vocabulary Subjective Objective Running record Anecdotal record Content Vocabulary Academic Vocabulary Subjective Objective Running record Anecdotal record Frequency count Baseline Development checklist Interpretation Confidentiality Assumption Judgement

Why Observe Children We learn more by observing than by reading. Observing allows you to see personalities. Interpreting their behavior is a learned skill. Observing children provides caregivers with useful feedback.

How to Observe Young Children Separate fact from opinion. Observations can be subjective or objective. Subjective – to rely on personal opinions and feelings, rather than facts, to judge an event. Objective – something is factual, and leaves aside personal feelings and prejudices.

How to Observe Young Children Observations records should include: Date Time Number of children and adults present Names and ages of all present

Types of Observations Records Running Record – record of everything observed for a set period. Useful when just getting to know children. Anecdotal Record – report of a child’s actions that concentrates on a specific behavior or area of development. Frequency Count – tally of how often a certain behavior occurs. Baseline – count made before any steps are taken to try to change the behavior. Developmental Checklist – list of skills children should master, or behaviors they should exhibit at a certain age.

How to Act while Observing There are formal and informal observations Formal – a specific time is set aside to observe Informal – you are not as obvious, such as watching children at a mall or playground The observer should avoid interacting with the children unless it is necessary. Be prepared to take notes quickly Know your purpose Identify the when, where, who, and what Make comparisons Uncover the data Review and clarify

How to Interpret Observations Make sure that your final report appears neat and professional. Interpretation – analysis an observer forms and expresses about what was observed. Confidentiality – protection of another person’s privacy by limiting access to personal information. Observations are short and your interpretations may not be accurate.