Can’t do an assignment? Get it done by a trustworthy essay writing service
Term Paper OPTION A: Developmental Observation.
It is fascinating to observe children and to understand their developmental journey! Life begins as a tiny speck, and after a period of miraculous biological transformation in the womb, the amazing newborn baby enters this world ready to experience whatever the world around has to offer! Each individual child’s developmental track is unique. Children with atypical developmental characteristics may differ from normal course of development depending on the unique characteristics of the child. The purpose of this developmental observation assignment is to synthesize and apply the theoretical concepts of child development to acquire an understanding of the developmental characteristics of a child in the biological, cognitive, language, and social domains of development. The observation assignment has two components:
Observation: Observe and/or interview a child (newborn – 3 years) and their parent for 1 hour in a home, school or any other community organization serving children. Record your observations based on the guidelines provided.
Written Report: Write a written report following the guidelines provided. The developmental observation assignment is graded according to the following criteria:
Information processing skills: Effectively interprets and synthesizes information obtained through the observation.
Knowledge of child development concepts: Able to access, process, and utilize child development knowledge.
Evaluation of observation: Effectively identifies and explores problems, situations, questions, and issues.
Guidelines and Format for Developmental Observations Report
Cover page 1 point
Your name; Title of the Assignment
Age of the child; Gender of the child
You can attach the picture of the child on the front cover if you like.
Introduction 4 points
Name of the child (you can create a pseudonym if the parents do not want the child’s name reported), age and gender
Family characteristics: Social and cultural contexts
Siblings and their ages
Developmental characteristics 20 pts.
Describe the child’s physical characteristics and motor abilities.
Identify any problems or issues, if any.
Child’s approximate height and weight
Does the child appear healthy or not? What makes you think so?
Child’s nutritional habits and eating patterns
Child’s sleeping patterns
Child’s movement and activities:
For infants (newborn – 6 months), check for newborn reflexes.
How does the child move or how does the child use his/her body?
Does the child appear to be comfortable with his/her physical abilities?
Does the child prefer mostly high energy activities or quiet activities?
Give examples of child’s gross motor skills – are they age appropriate?
Give examples of child’s fine motor skills – are they age appropriate?
Cognitive domain 20 points
According to Jean Piaget’s cognitive development stages, which stage would you place the child? Why? Give two examples to support/explain your answer.
For younger children, which stage of the sensorimotor intelligence does the child display? Support your answer.
What types of play does the child engage in?
Measure the child’s ability to follow eye gaze, joint attention and discuss the response.
Test the child’s object permanence abilities. Include the child’s response.
If age appropriate, test the child’s theory of mind abilities and discuss the child’s responses.
Language Domain 20 points
Describe the child/ language and thinking abilities.
Measure the child’s receptive and perceptive language and discuss your findings.
Is the child using symbolic gestures? If so, describe.
Ask age appropriate questions as applicable. Include the child’s responses.
What is your conclusion about the child’s language development?
Social and emotional domain 20 points
Describe the child’s temperament characteristics.
Makes friends easily; shy or quiet; cooperative or prefers to be alone.
How does the child communicate his/her wants or needs?
How does the child relate and interact with other people? Give two examples of child’s interactions with family members/peers and friends/teacher/coach, or with you.
Which stage would this child be according to Erik Erikson? Give one reason for your answer.
Does the child’s behavior reflect any specific gender characteristics? Give two examples to support your answer.
Describe the child’s attachment.
Conclusion 10 points
Write a brief conclusion about the child’s developmental characteristics. Make sure to connect to theories/research discussed in the course. You may also ask parents/caregivers/teachers for their comments about the child.
Spelling, Grammar, Following Directions 5 points
Please note: If you observe a child with atypical characteristics then apply relevant concepts, as appropriate.
Can’t do an assignment? Get it done by a trustworthy essay writing service