Early Childhood Interviews

Even though some experts feel children’s physical health is at risk once they are introduced to technology, it is a must, that early childhood educators do just that. In a world where technology is ever changing it is imperative that children are exposed as early as two years old so that they are not left at a disadvantage for the future. Young children must be exposed to technology early so they can explore its usage; it will help them become more interactive in their learning using hands-on technology; technology will help them become more aware of the

Positive relationships with children and young people are important because children will feel comfortable with the practitioners and can separate more easily from their parents. If the children feel secure and use to their surroundings, they are more likely to join in playtimes and learning activities. Children will feel secure and at ease which will help them to enjoy themselves at nursery. Children’s language develops more quickly as the children feel confident and comfortable.

The purpose of this assignment is to closely observe the development of a child through an interview and apply the theories and concept of child development in his particular cultural and educational context. I selected the child who lives in my neighborhood for the interview and began with seeking the permission from his parents. The child’s name is ‘Abdullah’ and he is seven years old. He lives with his family in Terre Haute and his family consists of parents and two sisters. Abdullah goes to Sugar Grove Elementary School in the Terre Haute city along with his two sisters and he is in grade 2. The interview was conducted at his home and I ensured his convenience. He was cooperative and provided insightful responses to the questions and he provided significant detail in the interview. I was able to track his development stages and connect it to different theories of Developmental Psychology including psychoanalytical perspectives and Piaget’s stages of development. In the following paragraphs, I will explain my observations about Abdullah’s development in the light of developmental theories with special focus on cognitive, social, linguistic, and emotional development followed by making connections between his socioeconomic and cultural background and development. Lastly, I will conclude paper by highlighting that the observations during the interview can facilitate my future practice as a teacher.

My dad, because he has a good job and he can be lazy whenever he wants to and he gets to buy whatever he wants.

I chose to interview three family members in order to evaluate similarities and differences on experiences on what it’s like to be a parent. I believe that there is no right or wrong way to define what family is, but the definition of family comes with a wide range of beliefs about parenting and what it means to be “good parents” to their children. Every person is different and when it comes to every parent, they have their own style of parenting due to the environments as well as experiences within their environment. Throughout the interviews, I hope to gain knowledge and to be able to understand what it’s like to be a full time parent. Therefore, I have completed three interviews with three separate members of my family that were all raised by the same parents in the same household so it would be interesting to get an insight of how each individuals perspective as parents are. Furthermore, I will present a summary of questions that I’ve asked, a summary of their answers as well as an analysis of their way of parenting with some information that I’ve gathered and compare it to what I’ve learned in class.

1.2 Explain the main roles and responsibilities of key staff involved in a child’s learning

It’s very important to work with families when it comes to their children’s learning. Children gain confidence by seeing their parents working with staff in the setting. Parents and families, who work with staff at their child’s school or nursery, will find that influences the way their children act at home. Having support from both parents/carers will encourage good relationships between the setting and the home, encouraging the families’ confidence and self-esteem. Practitioners can work in different ways to involve parents such as open days, newsletters, notice boards, parent-toddler clubs, day-to-day informal conversation, toy library, social activities, help with outings, reading with children, coffee mornings, school assembly, parent’s room and exhibitions of children’s work.

We recognise and support parents as their child’s first and most important educators, and we welcome them into the life of the nursery. This generate confidence and we encourage parents

The quality of relationships that we as practitioners have with children and young people has a huge effect on the way in which we can work with them and help them. When children feel comfortable with us they can separate more easily from their parents, they are more likely to participate in the play and learning activities if they are secure emotionally. When children have a strong relationship they are less likely to show unwanted behaviour as we can recognise and meet their needs, children’s language may develop more quickly as they feel confident talking to us. Practitioners can plan more accurately as they understand children’s developmental needs and know their interests and what

I choose to interview Mary from the Fresno City College child development center. Mary works with toddlers who are 2 years of age. While observing Mary with her students, I notice she was well organized and very attentive to her students, and they seem to respond very well to her. I also noticed that Mary has a lot of patients with her students and they love her. I also noticed while observing Mary, that she seems to deal each of the students differently according to what needs that need to be met and how each of the students learning is different. Mary is well organized and has a strategic schedule that she goes by.

Parents helpers, parents are encouraged to come in and share a skill with the children, eg: Cooking, arts and crafts, or, to simply be with the children, joining in with play.

The centre aims to guide children in becoming effective learners through creating an environment that is both challenging and stimulating. In doing so, children are allowed the opportunity to “explore, identify, negotiate, take risks and create meaning” ("Early Childhood Australia", 2016) through guiding their own learning. The centre believes that by children engaging in quality play experience, they will be able develop the required skills needed to adjust in primary school and academic learning; these include “memory skills, language development and their ability to regulate their behaviour” (Bodrova & Leong, 2005).

The role of technology in early childhood education is a controversial topic to both teachers and parents. The main concerns of both teachers and parents is the potential benefits for young children’s learning and development.. Supporters and non-supporters agree on the importance of young children’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical development. Supporters feel children should have the opportunity to use the computer as another tool to aide in and encourage their development. Non-supporters agree the computer may be a useful tool for young children but feel many teachers may not be using the computers in the best way to promote a healthy development in the child.

Secondly, it is important to consider the strengths of naturalistic observation as a method. This was identified when the child was consistently moving and doing different activities that allowed me to understand how he communicates with other children, how he behaves and what he learns from others. In the play setting the child was able to develop his thinking and according to the Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families (DOH, 2000) through social relationships, the child was encouraged to express his feelings, emotions, which was achieved by the setting creating an enjoyment environment.

In this essay, I will discuss my experience during middle and late childhood. I will address three stages which are the physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development. The physical development consists of body and brain growth, health issues, and motor skills. The cognitive development consists of language, memory, and attention. Socioemotional development is based on relationship, employment, and personality.