1. Learning about children

2. Your impact on children
People and events shape who children become
Benefits of studying children
Views of childhood
Living what you learn

3. Benefits of studying children
No two children are a like and no one expert can explain every aspect of their behavior
The best way to learn about children is through interacting with them
Learn why they feel, think, and act the way that they do
Typical behaviors are the ways of acting or responding that are common at each stage of childhood
Discover caregivers importance
Provide affection to grow emotionally, stimulate learning, and teach them right from wrong
Enjoy children more
You will learn how to enjoy their honesty, humor, energy and curiosity
Learn about career opportunities

4. Views of childhood
The way you view your own childhood, often determines how you view childhood in general
Childhood is a period of rapid development, dependence on caregivers, and preparation for adult life
Childhood has not always been considered a separate, important stage of life. It isn’t until the last 10 years that it has been acknowledged as a separate life cycle

5. Comparing childhood past and present
Many people believe that children should be seen but not heard
Health:
Before the 20th century many children died from illness
Proper nutrition has helped to increase the lifespan of children
Education:
Did not become widespread in this country until the early 1800’s
In today’s schools children are grouped according to age and sometimes learning levels
Love:
The one thing that has remained constant in child development
Work:
Up until the 20th century children were expected to work
Today teens may work however there are laws regulating their hours

6. Play:
It is how they learn
Toys in the past were simple and often homemade
Dress:
Children in the past dressed more formally
Today clothes are more causal, and similar in style between boys and girls

7. Section 1-2 Studying children

8. Why is childhood crucial?
Early childhood is the most important life stage for brain development
At birth the brain is the least developed organ at birth
A baby’s brain develop in response to stimulation, and baby’s who are stimulated develop more quickly and have a more secure self image

9. Theories about development
Theorist have provided valuable information in regards to the development of children
There are some theories that cannot be tested
Not everyone agrees on how these theories should be implemented

10. What researchers have found
The foundations upon which future research can be built:
Characters of development:
Development is similar for each individual
Development builds upon earlier learning
Development proceeds at an individual rate
The different areas of development are interrelated
Development is a lifelong process

11. Influences on development
Each child develops at a different rate because they have a unique combination of factors influencing their development
Heredity:
The biological transfer of certain characteristics from earlier generations.
Blood type, hair color, eye color etc….
Is often referred to as nature- meaning born with a talent
Environment:
Refers to the people places and things that surround and influences people
Is often referred to as nurture- refers to the influences and conditions in a childs environment

12. Lifelong growth and development
The human life cycle is the path in which development; in which presents different challenges that must be met or skills acquired.
Development beyond childhood:
Adolescence- stage between childhood and adulthood
Young adulthood- stage for people in their twenties
The thirties: stage that presents the challenges of establishing roots
Middle ages: from 40 to 55- parents adjust to their children becoming more independent
Late adulthood: ages when most adults retire, more politically and or socially active
Very late adulthood: beyond age 75:health problems become more apparent.

13. The role of self esteem in development
Self esteem refers the value people place on themselves/
Plays a role in how people deal with every day situation
They have found a link to low self esteem and poor school performance, truancy, and criminal behavior
Children who feel good about themselves are more likely to show enthusiasm for learning, forming friendships, and make healthier choices