BRONFENBRENNER Theories that consider children’s development in relation to their environment

Learning Objectives How to use the principles behind Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory of human development in practice To understand the importance of working in partnership with parents and supporting the children’s learning in the home To know the importance of talking to children and planning activities based on what they do with their family and in the community To understand the importance of going on visits in the local community and inviting people to come in to the setting.

Bronfenbrenner-Ecological Systems Theory This theory suggests that the child’s immediate environment, community and wider society can influence their development How the theory could influence practice How to apply the theory into practice To understand the importance of working in partnership with parents To find ways of working closely within and with the local community Aim to build strong relationships with parents Provide plenty of information about what the child is doing in the setting Talk to parents about their child and what they feel their child’s strengths and weaknesses are Involve parents in the planning for their child and, if appropriate advice about activities they could do at home Create opportunities for parents to participate in the setting Look for ways of lending resources and materials to parents Take an interest in what children enjoy doing at home with their family and friends Create links with the local community, e.g. the allotment society, local faith groups and health services Organise visits in the local community

Kohlburg Moral Development Theory Summary: both Kohlberg and Piaget came to the conclusion that children are essentially amoral. However, Piaget did recognise that children are influenced by the reaction of adults. How the theory could influence practice How to apply the theory to practice To ensure expectations of children’s moral behaviour are age/stage appropriate To ensure adults understand that children’s early learning about pro-social and moral behaviour is dependant on their reactions. Recognise that children are likely to follow the examples set by adults. Make sure your reactions to incidents and unwanted behaviours are not aggressive. Expect that although children may be able to tell you the settings rules, they may not be able to resist temptation.

Bowlby & Ainsworth- Attachment Theory Summary: The work of John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth suggests that children need strong attachments to their parents, but also to the adults who are with them when their parents are not available. This has resulted in the introduction of the key person system in childcare settings. How the theory could influence practice How to apply the theory to practice To ensure children are not distressed when separation from their parents takes place. To ensure smooth transition between home and the setting The provision of a key worker system within settings Make sure that each child in the setting has a key person Find out about the child’s experiences of separation, recognising that children who have previously been distressed may take longer to settle in a build a relationship with you. Build a relationship with the children before their parents leave them for the first time Consider the routines of the day and whether there are enough opportunities for the children to spend enough time with you Work closely with parents to provide continuity of care Make sure that you show unconditional love for the child

Task Write your own case study that describes a child with a certain type of behaviour (positive or negative) or an area of development (typical or atypical); ensure that it links to one or more of the theories we have looked at.