Child Development Milestone Assignment

Explain classic developmental theories relevant to early childhood education and the application to actual educational settings.

Develop a working knowledge of typical developmental stages from infancy to early childhood across multiple domains of development.

Identify typical patterns of cognition based upon classic developmental theories.

Relate genetics and environmental factors on the developmental sequence for individual

children.

Describe developmentally and age-appropriate practice in relation to developmental needs of children.

Apply research-based theories to classroom practices relevant to early childhood classrooms.

Demonstrate an understanding of constructivist methods in relation to cognitive development.

Directions:

Part 1: Milestones Graphic

➢ Compose an introductory paragraph for the chart.

➢ Create the chart in a Word or text document. Use graphic elements of your choice.

Maturation

Constructivism

Behaviorism

Physical

Cognitive

Social

Emotional

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Foundations of Child Development

➢ In the chart, identify milestones and typical patterns of behavior for each developmental domain based on the specified theoretical foundation.

➢ Include major theorists and a summary of their research or theory for specific age groups.

For example, from a Maturationist’s perspective, children’s environments should be adapted to their genetically determined needs and characteristics. Gesell, who was a maturationist, taught that growth follows a fixed sequence determined primarily by intrinsic factors. There is a particular age for learning specific cognitive, social and emotional skills. To support his findings, he cited results from systematic observations of children that he conducted when they were at different ages. For the maturation column, you can start by using Gesell. However, you need to complete each column. You might find there is enough information in the readings and presentations to complete the columns, or you may need to conduct a bit of your own research.

For example, in the physical domain, consider these questions:

What does the maturational theory believe that children of a certain age do?

Who is credited for this theory?

How does a baby develop? Discuss the cephalocaudal (head-to-foot) trend. At what

age/stage of life does the baby develop these physical traits? In the cognitive domain, consider these questions:

How do Maturationists think that children learn?

How does the brain develop?

How does language develop?

Are there typical stages that children go through as they acquire cognitive skills?

In the social domain, consider the following:

How do children form social relationships?

Are there any stages that children go through when developing trusting

relationships with others?

In the emotional domain, consider the following:

How do you think the maturationist view emotional development in children?

Complete all columns in the chart (for the maturation, constructivist, and behaviorist theorists). Watson, Skinner, Pavlov, and Bandura are a few behaviorists that you may want to consider, but you are not limited to them.

As you complete the columns, identify the milestones/typical behavior patterns that occur at each stage of development. Associate the theorists with each column and provide the specific age group when these characteristics are likely to occur.

Part of the challenge of this activity is to demonstrate how you can succinctly condense a large amount of information into a chart. Therefore, select only the most important and relevant elements for each cell.

Foundations of Child Development

Part 2: Comparing and Contrasting Theories

➢ In addition to the chart, develop a 10-slide presentation to compare the main theories used in the assignment. Create a title slide and a reference slide in APA (6th edition) format.

➢ Address the similarities and differences between each theory in the presentation.

➢ Use at least 3 additional resources to support the comparisons made in the

paper.

➢ Support your answers using appropriate professional resources cited in APA (6th

edition) format.

4) Follow the directions to submit your final Word or text document and slide presentation.

© 2018 American College of Education

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