My Child Development Philosophy
I think it is important to take into account the different rates students mature and learn. Each child is different and they require patience. I strive to incorporate different instruction based on a child's genetic make-up and biological factors. Many factors effect a student's interaction in school including, parenting styles, psychosocial development, emotional development/regulation and many other characteristics. I think having a strong understanding of how student's develop will help mold a constructive classroom.
Throughout the elementary school years most students are in the third stage of Erikson's 8 stage of psychosocial development, industry versus inferiority. This is a time where positivity and encouragement are important in a child's life. Children are becoming capable of more difficult tasks and need the encouragement to shape their competence. Students who do not receive this reassurance may form doubt and may not be as successful in the future. Having a negative experience in one stage can carry over into other stages of development. This is why it is important to to show a student you care and know they can succeed.
Another important feature of a child's development depends on the different communities a child experiences. The most influential people in a child's life are their peers. They are with their peers for eight hours per day Monday through Friday, this is where the build friendships and experience social situations. This considered Bronfenbrenner's Bioecological Theory, which is a persons bio (who they are) is shaped by their ecology (area around them).