Homework: Child Growth and Development Observation of a Child
Observation Description
You will observe and write a detailed description of a child as viewed by you, the researcher. You will select and report on a child in the age range of 6 to 8* years old (middle childhood).
In order to comply with NAEYC standard 1a, the age limit for this observation is age 8.
You may choose any child EXCEPT your own,for example, extended family members, neighbors, or friends. If you have any questions or concerns regarding selection of children, contact your professor. A Case Study Permission Form is required to accompany this Case Study.You will be required to have at least one parent sign the form. Your case study will NOT be graded without this form.
Your observation should be written in formal academic language. Your observation report should be an objective evaluation using information gathered from direct observation. You may supplement this information with facts provided by the family orcaregiver. Examples of objective reporting are: "The mother reports Jason feels more secure when he sleeps with his teddy bear," or "The caregiver stated that Gina shares her crayons at the art table with any child who needs crayons." The observation should NOT include subjective (opinion) statements such as: "Jason seems like a secure child," or "Gina is the nicest girl in the room." Be as thorough as possible with the data available to you. Include as much factual data as you can to "paint" a comprehensive picture of the child.
Your observation report will have two sections, Introduction and Social and Emotional Development.
Here are the two sections you will include in your report:
Introduction
a. Include the following descriptors:
b. Give the child's name, age, and a brief description of physical appearance.
c. Describe the child's environment at home and childcare/school. Including family members living in the home.
d. Describe characteristics that identify the socioeconomic status of the child's family. Instead of reporting income, report items such as parents' education level, housing and neighborhood, current job, etc. Do not ask the family any personal income questions!
Tell why you have chosen this child.
Social and Emotional Development
a. Describe the child's currentsocial development in terms of interactions with other children, family, relatives, siblings, classmates, etc. For example, include observations of sharing, solving problems, playing and/or working cooperatively.
b. Describe the child's currentemotional development from your observations. For example, include observations that might indicate temperament, attachment, happiness, self-concept, self-esteem, security, and/or stress.
Format your homework according to the give formatting requirements:
a. The answer must be double spaced, typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
b. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the course title, the student's name, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
c. Also include a reference page. The references and Citations should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.