Child Development by John W Santrock
Child Development is a well organised and user friendly pedagogical book. Santrock says, “This book is about children’s development – its universal features, its individual variations, its nature at the beginning of the twenty-first century.”
John Santrock’s Child Development is probably the most up to date, well researched and therefore the most accurate book in its field. Now in its fourteenth edition it has certainly stood the test of time considering it was first published in 1978. This topically organised text presents a wealth of information that is applicable and adaptable and is uncomplicated to read and understand. Eloquently written and logically presented it covers all aspects of child development
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Therefore giving a very balanced view on the subject. It starts out with a thorough foundation on the science of child development, looking at the theories and the psychologists behind them. Figure 2.12 offers an at a glance comparison table of all five types of theories – their methodologies and problems. The opening story in this chapter about the lives of Erik Erikson and Jean Piaget highlights how an individual’s experiences impact on the path they will take in life, a pertinent point to make at the outset of this book. Research methods and their descriptions tie suitably into the theories they might be used for. Sections two and three are an engaging and sometimes surprising look at the numerous ways in which we develop and …show more content…
Each chapter begins with a real life story as a lead in to the focus that is to be discussed. Readers will find the story of the Jim and Jim twins especially enthralling. Pictures, diagrams, charts and summary tables are extremely helpful visual illustrations and allow the reader to further consider and indeed consolidate the information being relayed. There is a mini glossary of terms incorporated into the main text pages as well a comprehensive glossary at the close of the book, again giving the opportunity to fully assimilate the vocabulary used. “Through the minds of psychologists”, with a quote from and photograph of a leading psychologist and “Adventures for the mind”, an aid to analytical thinking, are both interesting features in each chapter that add to the learning this book has to offer. While “Explorations in child development”, investigates treatments, programmes and information that enhance life for children. The section on Dr Tiffany Field’s research into the capacity of massage to improve the development of preterm and at risk babies is a fascinating read. A “cognitive map” at the beginning and end of each chapter showing an overview are an effective way to grasp what the chapter is about and to review it at the finish (with cross linkage to summary tables). Each chapter concludes with a section including key terms, key people, resources available
In the model I developed for child development there are three main groups: physical, mental, and social. Within these three groups are subcategories, many including ideas from various theorists, that I will use to support my system of child development. Throughout this paper, I will use ideas, definitions, and examples from the theorists I have chosen and from my own experience.
Smith, P., Cowie, H. and Blades, M. (2003). Understanding children’s development (4th ed.). UK: Blackwell Publishing.
It is essential that a child’s development is viewed in a holistic manner, so that practitioners can identify a child’s physical, personal, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing- not just focusing on their intellectual
For this assignment I have chosen Jean Piaget’s cognitive development theory and Erik Erikson’s psychosocial development theory.
Initially published in 1845 by Dr. Benjamin Spock, The Common Sense Guide to Baby and Child Care revolutionized parenting, and thus, the upbringing of an entire generation and those following. As society changed, new editions of the original handbook emerged to fit the lifestyle of the current population. Dr. Spock wrote seven editions of The Common Sense Guide to Baby and Child Care alongside a prestigious pediatrician, Steven Parker, before his death in 1998. I read the ninth addition of the manual, revised by pediatrician Dr. Robert Needleman, which includes modern-day ideas such as eating disorders in teenagers and applying to college.
Child psychology, also known as child development, is the study of psychological growth of children; how these mechanisms develop from infancy to adolescence and why they deviate from one child to the next. Child development is associated with biological, psychological, and emotional diversity that occur in humans. Although there is a different advancement for each child, these developmental changes may be greatly determined by genetic factors and experience during prenatal life. The early years of a child’s life are very important for his or her health and development. Parents, health professionals, educators, and others can work together as partners to help children grow up to reach their full potential.
Doherty, J and Hughes, M (2009) Child Development: Theory and Practice 0-11, Essex: Pearson Education Ltd
Development is defined as the process of change, a pattern that occurs from birth throughout the lifespan of the individual (Keenan and Evans, 2009). In the UK it is usual to cover child development between birth and nineteen years. Development is often categorised into different areas of development; physical, intellectual, language, emotional and social. Smidt (2006) suggested that all areas of development are interrelated. Therefore development has to be approached with a holistic view; whilst looking at one area of development all areas of development need to be considered. "The holistic ideology values the whole child understanding the young child as an individual within the context of his or her family, community and culture” Wood (1998). With this in mind practitioners need to be aware of a child’s background. Children usually progress through a set pattern of stages, unless a child has additi...
In regards to child development, Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky are both highly regarded and well known for their theories. Some educators view themselves as Piagetian while others view themselves as Vygotskians. They see Piaget and Vygotsky as being vastly different. Then there are others who see similarities between the two and hold both Piaget and Vygotsky as correct in their theories. The purpose of this paper is to examine the similarities and differences between Piaget and Vygotsky and determine what can be gained by better understanding these theories.
Skuse, David. (2003). Child psychology and psychiatry: an introduction. Abindton, Oxfordshire, UK: Medicine Publishing Company Limited.
Child development and growth observation can be quite fascinating considering the uniqueness of each child. As children grow, they normally develop and acquire new skills whether complex or not. The abilities experienced by each child progresses differently that is it depends on the nurturing given by the parent or guardian and on the characteristics that they inherit. Proper development and growth of the child occurs when basic needs are provided by the reliable adult guardians, including such things as love, food, encouragement, shelter and warmth. The essay evaluates child development and growth through observation conducted by myself on my nephew. The essay will include physical development, general health, emotional development,
Infants and Children: Prenatal Through Middle Childhood. Pearson/Allyn and Bacon. Cooper, J., Masi, R., & Vick, J. (2009). The 'Standard' of the 'Standard'. Social-emotional Development in Early Childhood.
Wood, A. E., Wood, E. G., & Boyd, D. (2007). Child development: The world of psychology.
The two theories that will be discussed throughout this paper are Jean Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development and Erik Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development. The major themes and concepts of the two theories share both differences and similarities. Specific emphasis will be placed on the earliest years of life and will also be related to separation, individuation, and attachment theory.
The various aspects of child development encompass physical growth, emotional and psychological changes, and social adjustments. A great many determinants influence patterns of development and change.