Observations (SLO #1)

Observation allows you to look at the environment, children’s interactions with their peers,
teachers, language use, and other developmental milestones and domains.  You have learned
several developmental theories related to understanding the cognitive, social-emotional, and
physical development of young children. The application of what you observe and
developmental theories is important in providing insight to what to expect (typical development)
as well as identifying a delay in development (atypical development).

Assignment Details

This assignment will allow you to observe an infant/toddler pre-selected video and utilize a
developmental continuum observation tool, Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP,
2015), to identify the developmental levels.  

You will be assigned one of the following *DRDP developmental domains:

 Approaches to Learning-Self Regulation

 Social-Emotional Development
 Language and Literacy Development
 Cognition
 Physical Development

*You are only required to complete the five measures within your assigned developmental
domain as some domains have more than 5 measures.

Assignment Instructions

Please view the pre-selected video of Nick (child in blue polo shirt) below and 
complete a written summary 1 1/2 to 2 pages of the following:

Toddler Video Outdoor

 Summarize typical development based on the age of the child and the assigned DRDP
(2015) developmental domain. This is where you will also include the developmental
theorist/theory in your summary as well. You will need to utilize the textbook, journal
articles, or other sources to create and assist in this summary.  (1-2 paragraphs,
approximately)
 Summarize the observation of the child in the video and compare what you viewed based
on typical development and the developmental theory and/or theories.   Please remember
to include examples to support your conclusion.  (2-3 paragraphs, approximately)
 Summarize each measure observed utilizing the DRDP (your assigned domain) and give
clear examples of these skills and the context in which they occurred to support rating.
Please include citations to support and strengthen the analysis. (3-4 paragraphs,
approximately)
Here are a few questions/prompts to assist with your observation based on your assigned DRDP
(2015) developmental domain. These are just a few prompts if need additional ideas to assist
with your observational analysis.

 Based on the activity, does the child engage with the object(s) used (and how), the quality
and quantity of social interactions (Does the child initiate? Is the child seeking attention?
If so, positive or negative? Is the child seeking play? Comfort? Assistance?)
 How about the interactions with other children? Is the child playing? If so, is it
cooperative, interactive, parallel, independent, structured, creative…?
 What do you notice about the content of language, motor development and coordination,
and indications of use of concepts or cognitive stages of development (i.e.: what
cognitive concept must be mastered to play Hide-and-Go-Seek?). Write down, verbatim,
some of the language interactions, or vocalizations. What stage of language development
is the child exhibiting?
 Did you observe environmental and instructional accommodations for young children
with disabilities or delays? If so, describe and provide details.

Theories (SLO #2)

Child development contains a rich history of theorists/theories to describe developmental
domains (cognitive, social-emotional, and physical) including developmental milestones based
on ability and age-groups. These theories allow researchers to further understand development
while also looking at environmental, cultural, and other influences.

Assignment Details

You will have the opportunity to compare and contrast two different theorists. You will create a
visual aid to be used during your presentation (chart, PPT slide(s), google slide(s).  Be creative.
Please include the following information: 

1.Theorist's Name

2.Theoretical perspective-one or two words needed (ex. behaviorism, cognitive, psychosocial) 

3.Contribution/Theory (Try and put in your own words instead of pasting and copying from
source)

4. How does the theorist address diversity in their theory or framework? If not addressed, why do
you think this was and what are your thoughts and what would be your ideas on how the theorist
could address diversity. 

5.Examples to support understanding of Theory (2-3)

6. Create your own category

Please remember to include citations/references at the bottom of your slides or chart

 

Theorist

Here is a list of some of the theorist related to child development (please feel free to use another
theorist, who may not be on this list), please choose any two for this discussion/reflection.

 Mary Ainsworth (1913-1999)

 Albert Bandura (1925- )
 John Bowlby (1907-1990)
 Urie Bronfenbrenner (1917-2005)
 Jerome Bruner (1915 - )
 Noam Chomsky (1928- )
 John Dewey (1859–1952)
 Erik Erikson (1902–1994)
 Sigmund Freud (1856-1939)
 Howard Gardner (1943 - )
 Arnold Gesell (1880-1961)
 Lawrence Kohlberg (1927– 1987)
 Mildred Parten (1916–2009)
 Maria Montessori (1870-1952)
 Jean Piaget (1896-1980)
 Kenneth H. Rubin
 Jerome Singer (1924 - )
 Sara Smilansky (1922 - )
 Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934)
 Watson John B (1787-1958)

Presentation

Create a 2-3-minute video highlighting the key findings (utilize your visual aid) of the two
theorists you selected.  Please make sure to view the overview video in the module
(PPT/Presentations) and see the supporting videos under Resources for Theorists Presentations
sections of this module for additional support. 

Please post your video by ________ and reply to at least 2 of your colleagues by
________________. 

Your reply should be about 2-3 sentences and should expand upon what your colleague
presented in regard to the theorists. (If you do a video reply to 2 colleagues, I will give you an
additional 5pts total as extra credit)

Happy posting and I look forward to viewing your videos. 

MY STORY (SLO #3)
I hope this finds you well. In looking at development, it is important to understand self and
identify experiences and relationships which have allowed us to grow and develop. According to
developmentalists, Baltes, Smith & Bates and Staudinger & Lindenberger, the understanding of
any age group evolves around five principles of development (Multidirectional, Multicontextual,
Multicultural. Multidisciplinary and Plasticity). This was discussed in Chapter One.  Here's an
opportunity for you to write your story in 1 page (single-spaced). For example, you could answer
one of the following questions below but these are only examples of where to start, it is really up
to you.

Who are You?

What was a significant Event you can recall and how did it influence your development?

What will be your Legacy?

Please also include a reflection in regards to how your Story relates to a specific theory,
framework or concept covered in development.  For example, I told a little of My Story and the
influence of family which relates to Bronfenbrenner's ecological theory: Microsystem (Berger,
2009). 

https://youtu.be/QG6DQeklwWY

Extra Credit Opportunity (10pts)

For extra credit you can also tell your story via video by uploading to YouTube or using Canvas
to record and submit video. If YouTube is used please make the video unlisted and attach the
link. Please check the module for directions to assist with recording and uploading video. 

Everyone will submit a written version of "My Story" 1-2 pages, single-spaced, and an additional
1-2 paragraphs of a reflection to include the theory and/or theorist related to your "My Story". 
The video is extra credit and not mandatory. 
Detailed rubrics were provided to grade projects based on exemplary, proficient and developing
skill levels.