Core Reflection HD 300

Early Childhood Themes and Life Cycle Issues

Araceli Allala

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HD 300 Early Childhood Themes and Life Cycles Issues

This class focused on understanding Erik Erikson theories of Psychosocial Development

which describes a series of key challenges associated with specific stages. Understanding the
psychosocial development stages is very interesting it helped me put in practice what I had
learned in my previous child development courses. I learned the importance of viewing each
child as an individual and how important it is to meet their needs in the first years by giving them
the sense of trust and security so they learn to become independent individuals. As they go
through the following stages they learn perhaps to demonstrate power and control, and
eventually become proud of what they have been able to accomplish in life due to their own
struggles. During this class we shared our personal experiences as well as did several
observations, to help us reflect and analyze the different stages of life from birth to death.
My first observation was on a four year old child. During my observation, I saw how
some of his behaviors are appropriate for that age, but I also saw he needs guidance on his social
and emotional development. He needs constant redirection when it comes to sharing and when
expressing his emotions. My second observation was on an eleven year old boy, and it was
evident that he has difficulty trusting others. I learned that at this age children have trouble
expressing emotions and might have a sense of inferiority. My third observation was on a sixteen
year old teenager. I asked him questions about his childhood experiences and how he sees
himself in the near future. I was surprised by his maturity, because I thought that at this age they
are trying to find themselves and this particular teen could express himself clearly, and seemed to
have a sense of self beyond what I had not expected for one his age. I also learned from this
observation that at this age teens can be compassionate, sociable and very family oriented. They
can be emotionally stable and have a strong relationship with their parents. On my fourth
observation I interviewed a 49 year old woman. It was a great lesson to listen to her story about

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HD 300 Early Childhood Themes and Life Cycles Issues

how culture determines a lot of who you grow up to be, but also how you need to find yourself to
overcome the difficulties presented in life and learn to be happy with yourself.
Since the time we are born we are exposed to social and cultural issues that start shaping
who we are, what our beliefs and values are from the daily interactions we have with others. As
we grow older and become wiser we learn to value and appreciate life by moving on from one
developmental stage to the next. I was able to understand how societal bias and cultural
differences can really impact development, and how as an educator it is important that I address
these very delicate issues in an appropriate manner.
One new technique I learned and think is very important, useful and simple is the
RERUN process (Reflect, Explain, Reason, Understand and Negotiate) This technique
improves communication on problems regarding diversity issues. The Reflection on both sides of
a situation is crucial. Learning to listen to what others have to say as well as knowing how to
portray my own position is very important. It is essential to know how to approach others
appropriately and to let them know that I want to understand their point of view rather than just
trying to solve the problem (Mena, 2008). The main thing gained is that I have learned to become
a better listener and that the choices I make to solve an issue should always be in the best interest
of the children. A situation where I have used the RERUN practice is on potty training issues.
For some cultures it is okay for a three year old not to be potty trained, so it might become an
issue if a teacher suggests the child is too old to be in diapers.
The main thing I gained from this class is that it is important to identify where each child
is developmentally so I can support them at their individual level. It is very important for me to
become a more effective teacher and in order to do so, I need to understand who I am, what I

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HD 300 Early Childhood Themes and Life Cycles Issues

believe in and to be aware of my strengths and weaknesses. I am a role model to the children I
serve and I believe that being there in the early years to guide and support them will make a
difference in their lives and help form a strong foundation for their future.

References
Gonzalez-Mena, J. (2008) Diversity in early care and education: honoring differences. Boston:

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HD 300 Early Childhood Themes and Life Cycles Issues

McGraw-Hill.

References

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HD 300 Early Childhood Themes and Life Cycles Issues

Gonzalez-Mena, J. (2008) Diversity in early care and education: honoring differences. Boston:
McGraw-Hill.