Reflection OF Child Development PDF

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Observing & Recording the Behavior of Young Children: Cohen et al; Chapter 4-6...

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Running Head: REFLECTION OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT

REFLECTION OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT Student Name Institutional Affiliation

REFLECTION OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT Observing & Recording the Behavior of Young Children: Cohen et al; Chapter 4-6 From the readings in Cohen’s article, I have managed to gather a handful of information regarding to child development; why children behave the way they do, and what influences their decision to do as they do. The first aspect is the concern about how a child becomes aware of their own self. Cohen implies that their behavior is influenced largely by the notion of having someone who can satisfy their needs and wants. Is it being egocentric? Not at all! This is because it is a natural behavior in Cohen’s view. This therefore reminds me of the way I would see young kids cry for something, and the moment you grant it to them, they befriend you. Therefore, this is what influences their emotions and behavior. Furthermore, Cohen also brings out the broader picture of how children behave through dramatic play. An interesting story of Willie and Tracy is told. From the story, I can relate the events and how they unfold by simulating it to a normal situation. Children tend to copy behavior of adults. This is a confirmation that a child’s actions are a reflection of either their parents, guardians or caregivers. It is evidently presented by Cohen in this story. A young boy anticipates being a father through his menial child-related jobs. Another behaves in a manner that she resembles what their mother possibly does. This instances are common in the growth and development of a child. Emotional feelings of sympathy may be showcased by a child who has had an experience of being in the company of a doctor. Therefore, their behavior is borrowed from what they see and the kind of environment they are brought up in. What relationship exists between a child and the adults? Children rely on adults for an array of things. This ranges from physical sustenance to emotional and moral support. This kind of support is accorded to a child prior to their gaining their independence. It is really necessary since it is a stage of transition that not only influences their growth in terms of independence, but

REFLECTION OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT also aids the child in developing skills necessary for self-sufficiency. Education, in our modern day society is the limb that most parents use for the development of children. It is not just about learning, but also having physical, mental and emotional growth. This is primarily the reason why some children copy the character traits of adults and equally portray them in their adult life. Cohen thus succeeds in bringing forth the picture of child behavior, why they behave the way they do and what the end result is upon maturity. Observing and Understanding Child Development: Ahola & Kovacik; Chapter 4-7 In this case, several aspects of child developments have been discussed by Ahola and Kovacik. The authors have demonstrated, with pictorial evidence, how children develop especially in the mental aspect. A good example, as averred by Ahola is the cognition permanence. In this case, it has come to my realization that a child of eight months or less is unlikely to notice that an object has been hidden from them. But while at twelve months, this changes. Once a caregiver or parent hides an object from the child, the child will look out for the hidden object continually. This reminds me of the recent past where I would see a child cry for an object possessed by another when at around one or two years. However, the child seldom cried for the same while at a younger age. This is a show of mental growth and development in terms of their memory – which has been referred to as “conservation” by Jean Paget. In addition to that, Ahola uses the functional behavior theory to explain child development. The theory that Ahola invokes, insinuates that maladaptive behaviors in children are either caused by their want for something, or as a way of trying to avoid something. These maladaptive behaviors can serve a variety of purpose in children which include; gaining attention, gaining a tangible object such as a toy, to avoid a situation that is not desirable. The three stand out, in my opinion because they are most common. Therefore, why do children

REFLECTION OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT behave this way? They will cry to get something granted unto them; they will shout, push and pull to seek attention; and they often avoid others in situations that they are less interested. Ahola has given autism children as a good example for such. Besides that, Ahola denotes that parents are the primary contributors of a child’s abilities. This is because they can attest to their growth and development since their tender years. They can give a medical record, personality of their child among other details. The said details are necessary for the child’s development, tracing their growth and addressing their needs. Finally, the hierarchical development of a child’s brain is another scope that caught my eye. There are some brain parts that develop when a child is still young. These parts are mainly those used for the basic necessities of a child’s survival such as sucking, breathing and swallowing. They are the foundational part of the brain growth in a child and the basis for their hierarchical development. Gradually, a kid is able to pick stuff, they can cry for the things they feel are denied, and this indicates that their brain is growing. This is what Ahola and Kovacik refer to as a hierarchy of growth of the child’s brain.

REFLECTION OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT REFERENCES Cohen, D. et al (n/d): Observing and Recording the Behavior of Young Children; Chapter 4-6. Ahola et al (n/d): Observing and Understanding Child Development; Chapter 4-7...