Look Where You're Going...Not Where You've Been!

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Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Theory focuses on one’s development in the events of inside and outside layers of development. His studies and research have shown how children’s development is affected by their environment. His theory shows how environmental influences have an effect on the development of an individual and it focuses on the relationships between a child and the transforming environment. He proposed the environment can affect behavior and how behavior is expressed. Unlike behaviorism, Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory looks at the various levels of the environment, not just on behavior. It is composed of five environmental systems: microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem, and chronosystem. Erik Erikson’s psychosocial theory concerning the environment and individual’s surroundings correlates with Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory. He states that, as one grows, life presents individuals with different predicaments. One may also refer to these predicaments as developmental challenges. The "goal" is to adequately meet these challenges. When the challenge is successful it allows the individual to move on in a healthy approach to overcome next challenge. If there is not a sufficient amount of motivation, an attitude will not change. Therefore, early childhood relates in general to the Erikson’s stages of "autonomy versus shame and doubt", "initiative versus guilt", and the beginning of the "industry versus inferiority" stages of development. To demonstrate, one may use the systems to imagine a child and their environment to how they develop. Initially, the microsystem consists of the child’s immediate environment such as their family; however, the mesosystem consists of interrelationships between two or ... ... middle of paper ... ...e capable of improving a child’s chance for cognitive, social, and physical development by supplying an environment of innate play-based activities. There are not any strict timetables for tackling different challenges and obtaining abilities, and parents and caregivers must realize that there is an extensive range for what is considered as normal. All children grow and adjust to the world at their own pace. Everything catches up in the end when given the right kind of stimuli and nurturing. Works Cited Saddler, Michelle R. B. (2009, September). Developmental milestones. Retrieved from http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=32357 Segal, M, Bardige, B, Woika, M, & Leinfelder, J. (2006). All about child care and early education: a comprehensive resource for child care professionals. Allyn & Bacon.

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