Momentum - Business to Business Online Magazine MOMENTUM January 2020 | Page 26

EDUCATION INGELISE EZELL, MAEd. Director Grace Christian Academy- Early Learning Center 281-280-8282 | www.gcahtx.com CHILD DEVELOPMENT Theories C hild Development theories are still a source of great discussion. Throughout early childhood development there are specific developmental cognitive milestones. By the age of five a child should be able to count to ten, names at least four colors, understand the basic concept of time, and knows things around their home such as; money, food, and appliances. Jean Piaget believed that there are four periods in our cognitive development. This development is based on the child’s learned mental actions, physical actions, and logical abilities. Psychologists must study all of the theories to be able to know and practice appropriately. 24 MOMENTUM | 2020 Year of Small Business The Cognitive Theory focuses on the development of our thought processes and how these processes affect our overall understanding of the world. This theory basically examines what we think. Jean Piaget (1896-1980) early in his career studied the human thought process and tested children’s intelligence. Piaget discovered that many children of the same age had the same answers. This concept explained that children gain intelligence through developmental stages. Piaget believed that we all have a need to make sense or understand our new experiences. He called this need as cognitive equilibrium. When we do not understand a new experience this is called cognitive disequilibrium. The Sociocultural Theory was founded by Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934). Vygotsky believed that human development is basically a learned interaction between a child and their parent’s and teacher’s. A great example of this learning is through guided participation. The learner is taught by a teacher and the teacher also engages in the action such as sewing a button on a shirt. Vygotsky believed children learn from their surrounding culture such as parents, teachers, peers in their homes, schools, and neighborhoods. Teachers use guided participation in play scenarios where the child learns through social interactions. It is also important to point out that teacher’s have a significant role in the participation in a child’s play activities while in our classroom. Early childhood teaching methods are based on child development theories. The goal of education is to support and advance children’s development by creating a happy, safe, and healthy learning environment. Play is a crucial part of learning and growing. Child Care Centers are obligated to provide a safe place for children to experience wonder and magic. Children learn best through play and hands on experiences. As a young children play, they practice skills that will be useful in later years. Play is the vehicle through which children learn concepts, develop understand and relationships, and learn social skills. Teachers who do not give children the opportunity to play are not giving children the chance to learn the way children learn best. When children are playing and learning in the classroom they are developing the personality of what he or she is going to be as adults.