Child Development Theorists

John Comenius Wrote first picture book for children Czech educator 1658 Stressed learning by doing Wrote books with illustration Put emphasis on education of the senses Began social reform of education

John Locke 1600’s English philosopher Believed child’s mind is a clean slate Experiences with the parents, friends, and school all have a significant effect on the child’s development

Jean Jacques Rousseau Philosopher from 1712 – 1778 Introduced “free play” for child to choose the activity they prefer Believed school should be less restrained and more flexible

Johann Pestalolozzi Swiss philosopher in 1746 Presented the idea of “caring” for as well as educating the child Stressed “integrated curriculum” for the whole child: head, heart, and hands

Friedrich Froebel Father of kindergarten 1836 Kindergarten is “children’s garden” Stressed importance of developing self esteem and self confidence from 2-6 yrs.

Maria Montessori First female physician in Italy – 1870 Worked with poor and retarded children Believed education begins at birth and that the early years are the most important Introduced the “prepared environment” with child sized tables and chairs Taught with tactile materials to stimulate the senses and mind

John Dewey Introduced the “progressive movement “ in the 1800’s Stressed individual needs and differences Taught that children learn best when motivated and interested Felt rote memory is useless for learning Children need direct contact with materials Stress physical, social, emotional and intellectual needs of children

Dr. Benjamin Spock Wrote Baby and Child Care ’s Preached the common sense approach to childrearing Told parents to “childproof” the home and allow children to get out of playpen to explore the home environment safely Used more permissiveness with children

Berry Brazelton Present day famous pediatrician Stresses setting limits for children Teaches importance of listening to children Believes in observing child to learn what they need

Margaret and Rachel McMillan Began a crusade for slum children in England in 1910 Opened a “nurture school” for children under 5 years of age Taught importance of fresh air, sleep and bathing for children’s health Successful in keeping children healthy Nursery school program was dedicated to good nutrition and healthy standards

Susan Isaacs Educator who published The Nursery Years Emphasized the child’s point of view in teaching children Taught that play is a child’s work

Loris Malaguzzi Founder of early education in Reggio Emilia Italy Created a school that welcomed families and communities to take part in education Began the PTA and PTO in schools

Sigmund Freud Medical doctor who developed a psychoanalytic theory of sexuality: Oral stage – birth to two – emphasis on mouth: sucking, biting, eating, teething Anal stage - two to three – toilet training Phallic – three to six – genitals, sex role identification and conscience development Latency – six to twelve – sexual forces are dormant. Energy is on school and sports Genital – twelve to eighteen – genital stimulation and satisfaction from relationships

Jean Piaget Child development research theorist Sensorimotor stage: birth to two – children perceive the world through movement and senses. They are very egocentric and cannot see the world from other’s view. Preoperational stage: two to seven – language skills develop and they use symbolic play. They are only aware of their own point of view. They judge size by appearance only. Concrete operational stage: seven to twelve – Child can think logically but only with concrete aids. They can understand other’s point of view. Formal operations stage: twelve to adult – Abstract reasoning develops. They can understand actions have consequences. They can solve a problem in their mind.

Abraham Maslow Studied healthy and established a self-actualization theory based on needs. Fulfillment Perfection Justice Self Sufficiency Goodness Individuality Health Completion Sense of meaning Richness Integrity Self Esteem: Respect by others Love and sense of belonging Safety and Security Physical Needs: Air water food shelter Clothing

Arnold Gesell Physician in the 1950’s Established norms for physical motor growth and behaviors which accompany each age Study referred to as Ages and Stages Examples: 6 months – sit alone 7 – 8 months - crawling 12 months - walking

Erik Erickson Psychoanalyst who stated life is a series of stages with each one growing from the previous ones. Stage 1: Newborn – Trust vs. Mistrust Stage 2: Toddler – Autonomy vs. Doubt Stage 3: Childhood – Initiative vs. Guilt Stage 4: School – Industry vs. Inferiority Stage 5: Adolescence – Search for identity vs. inferiority Stage 6: Young Adult – Intimacy (love, friends) vs. Isolation ( Loneliness) Stage 7: Grown ups – Generativity (caring for next generation) vs. Stagnation Stage 8: Old Age – Integrity vs. Despair Erickson felt that people face these basic crisis situations from birth to old age. The conflict is part of the life process. Success gives strength to face each new stage in life.