Plans for Documenting Children’s Development

Topic 1- Reflection

In chapter 5, I have gained knowledge of knowing how to use running records. Having writing skill/ techniques to classification as anecdotal records. “The running records are written as the events are happening, while Anecdotal Recording usually is written shortly after a significant event” (Nilsen, 2017, p.114). Running records is for a classroom setting, to make sure the children are safely involved and under supervision of at least one other adult would have an interaction.

Five specific concepts learned include:

One specific concept I learned was running records (Advantages and Disadvantages). “Reveals many years of development in one recording” (Nilsen, 2017, p.117). How I would be using this method is by writing the time of the behavior would be more affected by bias and would include lots of details. Disadvantages would not show normally occurring behavior in the time segment. “Tire and drain the rec because of its intensity” (Nilsen, 2017, p.117).

Second specific concepts I learned are theories of social development. “Many in the past have pondered the origins of how people relate to one another” (Nilsen, 2017, p.120). How I would be using this method is by knowing each stage development. Stage 1 infant the challenge of trust. Stage 2 Toddler the challenge of autonomy. Stage 3 Preschool the challenge of initiative. Stage 4 preadolescence the challenge of industriousness. Stage 5 adolescence the challenge of gaining identity. Stage 6 young childhood the challenge of intimacy. Stage 7 middle adulthood the challenge of making difference. Stage 8 old age the challenge of integrity.

Third specific concepts I learned are implications of social learning theory on early childhood practices. “Children who are able to control their physiological, emotional, and behavioral responses are socially competent, which enables them to function in a social atmosphere as well as in a learning environment” (Nilsen, 2017, p.123). How I would be using this method is by using seven major clusters of skill behavior are communication, cooperation, assertion, responsibility, empathy, engagement, and self-control.

Fourth specific concepts I learned are young children and social studies. “When children begin to move beyond the family into their own social groups in child care or preschool, their world broadens to include children from other families and other cultures” (Nilsen, 2017, p.128). How I would be using this method is by following the content topic for teaching and learning about social studies; culture, time, continuity, and change, people, places, and environment, etc.

Fifth specific concept I learned is observing infants and toddlers in social play. “The infant is not developmentally able to sustain a higher level of play, because of limited language and still developing cognitive, social, and emotional skills” (Nilsen, 2017, p.135). How I am going to use this method is gaining early friendships like secure relationships with the mother, relationship with the older sibling or children, child similar developmental levels, and had similar temperaments and behavioral styles.