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.
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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.