Overall Observation Guidance For this assignment, you will observe (or simulate observing) a child and record data related to their development in the following domains: physical, cognitive, social/emotional, and cultural.
You will also need to apply relevant developmental theories to explain your observations. Use these guidelines to structure your observation and report. Instructions for Observation and Report Please make sure you read these requirements before you begin your observation. This way, you will know what to watch and/or listen for during the observation (or imaginary observation). Physical
Development: Observe and record the child’s gross motor skills (e.g., running, jumping, climbing) and fine motor skills (e.g., drawing, grasping, manipulating objects). Take note of any specific activities and how well the child performs them. Include any other relevant physical characteristics, such as their energy levels or coordination. In your report, summarize your observations about their physical development and how they align with typical developmental milestones. Cognitive Development: Pay attention to the child’s language use (e.g., vocabulary, sentence structure, common errors) and how the child communicates their thoughts.
Record examples of creativity (e.g., imaginative play, drawing) and how the child makes decisions or solves problems. Identify the child’s stage in Piaget’s cognitive development theory (e.g., sensorimotor, preoperational) based on their behaviors. In your report, describe your observations in the cognitive domain and explain how the child’s behavior fits into Piaget’s stages of cognitive development. Social/Emotional Development: Observe how the child expresses and manages their emotions (e.g., happiness, frustration) and how they interact with others (e.g., sharing, cooperation).
Identify the child’s psychosocial stage according to Erikson’s theory (not Freud! This is a common mistake students make) and provide examples of behaviors that reflect this stage. Record observations about the child’s temperament and self-concept, if observed. In your report, explain the child’s emotional and social behavior, using Erikson’s psychosocial stages to frame your observations.
Cultural Influences: Note any parenting practices or cultural influences you observe (e.g., family interactions, routines, traditions). If relevant, observe how the child navigates multiple languages or cultural expectations, such as family traditions, routines, or behaviors encouraged by caregivers. Identify where the child fits within Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory (e.g., microsystem, mesosystem) based on the cultural and environmental factors influencing their behavior. In your report, describe how cultural influences affect the child’s development, and use Bronfenbrenner’s theory to explain how their environment impacts their behavior.
Additional Requirements Include an introduction to your report, in which you provide basic information about the child and state if permission was obtained for the observation (if applicable). If observing a child in real-life, please do not use the child’s real name or any identifying characteristics. Conclude your report by reflecting on the child’s overall development and how the different domains interact. You must incorporate vocabulary from the textbook into your report Again, if you did not observe some of the areas above, please discuss what you expected to see.
The paper should be about 3 pages and it will be double-spaced. You do not need in-text citations for this assignment, as you will be writing about your observation and simply including vocabulary and references to theories from the book Be sure to use formal, academic language and proofread your report
