Child Development

I am coming to the close of my child development course in pursuit of my master's in early childhood. One of my favorite poems about children is "Children Live What They Learn" and I've posted it along with a video about child development. This poem is just a healthy reminder that, as adults, we are all responsible for the healthy growth and development of all children whose lives we touch. As a teacher, I feel a double burden for caring for and teaching all the children that cross my path. Children enter this world, not as a blank slate waiting to be written on or an empty pail waiting to be filled. Rather, children enter the world with cognitive, psychosocial and biosocial aspects of their person. These domains of human development change and grow, just as the body changes and grows. Recognizing that some children may have birth defects or developmental delays, most children grow and develop in a healthy manner. They are observant and sensitive. They are diverse and curious. They are innovative and observant. Children can think, plan and reason. They are illogical and logical. They are selfish and unselfish. They are born with tendencies from their gene make up and are influenced by their culture. They can learn languages, music, mathematical reasoning and engage in creative, artistic endeavors. Children are resilient and have a strong sense of right and wrong. The list goes on and on. All in all, children are fascinating creations that need to be nurtured, loved and guided into becoming the best that they can be. Children need to be afforded opportunities for healthy mental, physical, emotional and spiritual growth. They have the right to do so, and we have the responsibility to help them along the way.

Children Live What They Learn

If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn. If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight. If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy. If a child learns to feel shame, he learns to feel guilty.If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient.If a child lives with encouragement he learns confidenceIf a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate. He a child lives with fairness, he learns justice. If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith. If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself. If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world.

                                                                                   by Dorothy Law Neite

Child Development