DEVELOPMENTAL DOMIANS
According to the textbook in chapter three of section one it states that, “The physical domain of development covers physical growth and development, gross motor development and skills, fine motor development ad skills, and perceptual motor skills.” (Estes & Krogh, 2012).
By understanding the physical developmental domain influences other developmental domains, which they tend to work hand in hand with one another. Therefore, it is important that the appropriate practice is used to promote growth and development. When physical activities are used during learning it creates a foundation of movement; which the children will use into adulthood. Since young children cannot stay still for long periods of time it is very important that during early childhood education it focuses not only on mental development but physical development as well, so that way the child can grow and succeed in learning. According to the textbook within chapter three it states, “Although they have been separated for the sake of explanation, in real life the three domains overlap continually.” (Estes, & Krogh, 2012). Therefore, when using the appropriate tools and material serval activities can benefit the three domains.
HOME-SCHOOL PARTNERSHIPS
The connection between two or more people that are brought to work together so that they promote success is home-school partnerships. Teachers must understand that what children know and how they are is based on their family and cultural backgrounds. It is important that teachers and parents assist the children to achieve common goals together. Therefore, in order to assist the children, the children’s family and school professionals must play a vital role on encouraging these young individuals to obtain their goals and enjoy learning both at home and school. This is where home and school become a partnership which the primary goal is to help the children. It is very beneficial to the child when there is good home and school interaction. As a school professional you quickly realize that there are a variety of parents; those who are involved in their child’s education opposed to the parents that you really do not see and parents who are in-between which they only attend when needed or have the opportunity of being involved. I feel that it is very important that each individual child has the support not only at school but at home as well; when a child notices their parents involvement in the classroom there are successful results by keeping the child motivated. According to the textbook it stated in chapter eight of section two, “When young children know that their parents are actively and contentedly involved in their school or center experience, they are most likely to feel comfortable in their away-from-home environment.” (Estes & Krogh, 2012. Sec. 8.2).
Strategies for Home-School partnerships is begin by making time to meet each individual student’s parent or guardian.Staying in contact with the students family and always being professional inside and outside the classroom when discussing with the family. Another is having respect for the family and their privacy as well as keeping in mind to at least state one positive thing when addressing with the parents. Getting information from parents when at where they can be reached. Providing them with proper information on the best way they are able to contact the teacher.
TRENDS/ISSUES
The way a child learns is influenced by their culture, background, and learning environment. An influence on education was the Kindergarten movement which impacted early childhood education because it allowed children to learn through play and being able to express themselves through learning within a nurturing environment. According to chapter one of section two from the textbook it states that Froebel felt that, “young children needed to be free to express themselves, be involved in self-activity, learn through play, teachers function as agents to stimulate unfolding of children’s potential, and children need to manipulate objects in their environments to stimulate understanding.”(Estes & Krogh, 2012, sec. 1.2). In 1856 Margarethe Meyer Schurz whom completed Froebel’s teaching program for Kindergarten then opened the first private Kindergarten in the United States. I believe that early childhood eduction is the prepration to kindergarten. Kindergarten is the foundation for formal schooling.
However, not every child in the United States are qualified to receive this education. According to the textbook in chapter two, section three of the textbook it states, “Access to state-funded prekindergarten continues to vary widely from state to state and has been dependent upon factors such as eligibility requirements, available funding and spending per child.” (Estes & Krogh, 2012, sec. 2.3). Universal Prekindergarten Initiative is for young children whom are within four years of age and are not ready for Kindergarten. Here young children are able to learn and prepare them for Kindergarten that way they get a head start. This education is to help students succeed in school.
NAEYC
Based on the NAEYC website it notes, “Play is an important vehicle for developing self-regulation as well as promoting language, cognition, and social competence.” (NAEYC, n.d., website pg2). When using play in the classroom this helps with a child’s growth and development that will guide them to be cooperative, use their own creative thinking skills along with discovering new ideas while solving problems and using oral- language by communicating with their peers. According to the NAEYC website for families it provides information on why children learn through play. Cognitive development is how one processes information through memory, language, and reasoning; therefore, play is a tool that supports cognitive development. A good example of using the tool of play to support cognitive development is pretend play when children are able to socialize with their peers and solve problems. Play also supports physical development because it promotes the children’s fine and gross motor skills by strengthening their physical coordination, a good example would be outdoor activities or even indoor activities where the children are physical moving and out of their seats. Another development that play supports is affective development by children expressing their emotions with others.