Child Development 201: Observation, Documentation and Support
Name: Aracele Melgoza
Final Self- Evaluation
1. Why do we observe and assess young children? We observed and assess young children to define were the childs development needs progress and were the child stands as far as his development. The benefits are that throughout the observations a teacher can differentiate instruction based on the childs needs and can create a curriculum plan. Since observation reveals the childs perceptions of the self and others, patterns of behavior, the strengths and weakness as well as the fact that they take place naturally and spontaneously. By observing the above development the teacher can create individual activities to help the child based on his development needs. 2. List all of the developmental domains Emotional- feelings, self-esteem. Social- confidence, self-esteem, social relationships. Physical- large and small motor skills, hand and eye coordination, balanced. Cognitive- knowledge, critical thinking, intellectual and self regulation. Language- alphabet, speaking, listening, writing, letter and word recognition, stories, songs, books. Creativity- imagination, role play, handling different textures, explores the world through senses and musical activities.
3. Name 4 Observation Tools utilized in the early childhood
classroom. The Child Developmental Checklist Photographs of children involved in activities and Developmental Portfolios (it is important to have evidence of childrens work). Video Recording and Audio recording Standardized Test (BDI, COR, DOCS, LAP-D, ESI-D) 4. If you had one thing you would change about the child you observed what would it be? If I had one thing I would change about the child I observed, will be communicating and creating an activity with the child. If I had the opportunity to do a small group activity with the child; I would be given the opportunity to view his responses towards the activity presented to him. Such as observing how he socializes with others based on the topic. I believe that in order to enhance my observation with the child I observe would be having the privilege to engage with the child by proving the child with special tools to enhance on his challenges/needs. 5. If you had an opportunity to create an activity that has yet to be developed, but will enhance all the developmental domains, what would that activity be? Put a Name to the activity and the benefits. The activity that I will implement in the lesson plan will be called I have Feelings. The children will have the opportunity to express their feelings by singing and playing an instrument. The children will enhance their knowledge on their social and emotional development. The activity will be design into small groups.
In the cognitive domain children will have the opportunity to use
their critical thinking by identifying how they feel. In the emotional domain children will build confidence by sharing how they feel and can enhance a positive self-esteem. In the social domain the children will build social relationships while participating with other peers in the singing activity. In the language domain the children will learn new emotions, enhance their listening skills and will learn new language skills by singing the song I have Feelings. In the physical domain children will use large and small motor skills, hand coordination while playing the instruments and balanced during body movements. In the creative domain children will explore their imagination while expressing their emotions (children can make face gestures while expressing how they feel) and will have the opportunity to explore the environment through this musical activity. The benefits of this activity will enhance the childs ability to express how they feel by singing the song I have Feelings.By giving the children the opportunity to play an instrument the children will feel free and animated to express their feelings. This activity will encourage social skills, cognitive skills and can improve their attention span.
6. What curriculum was used in the center/home care or CPS
school in which you observed? The curriculum used in the center where I observed the child was the Creative Curriculum.