Child Development Observations

Fall 2006

Preparing to do the assignment:

This assignment is designed to give you the opportunity to see examples of what you have learned in real life.  You choose what aspect of development to observe, and the child.  For example,  you may happen to know a 1 year old and happen to be interested in motor skills development.  First, carefully read the textbook on motor skills in infants.  Make a list of behaviors you would expect to be able to observe and ways to elicit these behaviors from the child.  Make an appointment with the child's parent and explain what you intend to do.   Interact with the child normally (of course)

Doing the observation:

Spend enough time with the child to put him or her at ease.  Make the observation play for the child.  Be detailed in you notes.

Don't do anything with the potential to harm a child.

Writing your paper:

Introduce the age group and specific behaviors you observed.  Be sure to include any applicable theories.  This should take at least 3 paragraphs.

Describe the setting in which you did the observation.

Describe the child you observed in general terms.

Describe the relevant behaviors you observed and how you elicited them.

Discuss your observations.  Were they what you expected?  Why or why not?

Grading: