Child Development Theories

Theories of development and framework to support a childâ€TMs development are very important when working in school. They can help us understand children, how they do the things that they do, and why certain reactions may be evoked. These theories have helped us develop a framework for working with children such as they Early Years Foundation Stage to help with development of babies as well as children themselves. Some theorists and their theories have had a huge influence on todayâ€TMs developmental and structural frame work for children, these are: • Ivan Pavlov – a behaviourist working specifically with the idea of reflexes. His most famous experiment was the Pavlovâ€TMs dog investigation in which he noticed an increase in salivation

This became a secondary reflex. This theory is often used to explain why children develop strange phobias such as using a toilet in an unfamiliar place. A dislike of unfamiliar places causes them to not want to go inside and teachers can use this knowledge to develop practises to encourage children feel safe. • Arnold Gesell – theorised that most physical skills cannot be taught but coded in our genes, and DNA, which means we will learn different physical skills when our body allows This theory is often used by encouraging children but not forcing them to develop a physical skill. We provide a soft, cushioned area so that children can develop themselves physically without any pain. • B.F. Skinner – Language and Behavioural developer. Theorised that children use cognitive behaviour when learning and speaking with other. They will use trial and error to choose the correct words to say. Skinner believed that children will learn skills through observing adults and other children talk and then communicate and repeat the actions they have seen until they get it right. We support this by giving praise to a child when they say something correct. This is to encourage them to use the correct terms they communicate with

Theorised that early relationships with caregivers help with childhood development and will influence how children react to social interactions with other people. He believes that children who are securely attached to their main cares generally have high self- esteem and will receive reciprocated relationships throughout their life. We support this theory by easing children into nursery life slowly with visits that get longer and longer as the child becomes more comfortable, leading to a disconnection from separation anxiety. • Lev Vygotsky – intellectual developer. Theorised that children learn new skills by being guided by cares and parents. An example of this is when a parent will play †̃Hopscotchâ€TM with their child until the child is able to hop on their own. He said that every new scene or interaction is a learning experience to children that they must be helped through until they understand fully. Schoolâ€TMs support this by giving extra attention if children are having difficulty with a certain objective. We also give praise when children handle social interactions with correct behaviour to prove that we are satisfied with how they have handled