Pima Community College
Early Childhood Education
Signature Assignment 1- Vignette Template
(Your Name)
Using your knowledge of young children’s characteristics and needs, develop an analysis of the vignette. Use at least 3 references for your analysis, and cite them following the text, in paragraph form (APA style), where applicable. Include a full APA list of the references after the table. Also complete the “check your work” table at the end, as a way to self-evaluate your own work.
Vignette # 3: Preschooler
Domain Characteristics of the child’s… (1a) Possible influences
that impact this area
of development (1b) Ideas to support and
enhance a healthy,
respectful, supportive and
challenging learning
environment for this child
(1c) Developmental theories
that support why you
chose the ideas for the
learning environment
Physical
development Not much is seen of Justin’s physical development in this vignette, so it is hard to get an accurate picture of where he stands developmentally.
He is not shown performing any large motor skills, calling to the teacher to get her attention, rather than running to retrieve her.
He has little trouble manipulating the three dimensional puzzle that he is working with, only tipping it over once before using both hands, and he gets the piece into the correct opening with no difficulty, so his small motor development seems to be progressing normally. Influences on physical development include genetics and gender. They gain body awareness and develop new gross and fine motor skills. Physical development can be promoted in a variety of ways. Knowing what Justin likes to do and providing him with space to run, jump, and climb is one of the best and easiest ways to promote his large motor development. Providing him with appealing toys, such as large balls that he can kick and throw, or riding toys would also help encourage his large motor development. Small motor skills can be promoted by allowing Justin to help dress himself, especially when his clothing has buttons and zippers. Providing him with simple puzzles to put together is another way to promote both his physical and cognitive development. The maturation theory can be applied in Justin’s case which states “…that growth and development are characterized by an ‘unfolding’ or maturing of genetically preprogrammed traits and abilities” in which “growth and development are thought to proceed according to predetermined orderly and predictable patterns, but it is recognized that not all children proceed through these sequences at the same rate”. Because not much is seen of Justin’s physical behavior, the only assumption that can be made is that he is developing according to the sequences at his own rate, which, from what is shown, appears to be relatively normal for a three year old child.
Cognitive
development Justin is three, and in peak condition to learn and grow cognitively with the right stimulation.
According to Piaget, our thinking processes change from birth to maturity because we are always trying to make sense of our world. The changes are radical but slow and four factors influence them: biological maturation, activity, social experiences, and equilibration. Justin’s parents should provide him with open ended materials, such as blocks, sheets, and other items that he can use for pretend play. Giving him materials that he can be creative with is more stimulating than a toy that only has one use. In addition to open ended materials, things like simple puzzles would be ideal for his development, especially since he is seen playing with a puzzle, and obviously enjoying it. Providing Justin with new and challenging vocabulary will help stimulate his language development. Piaget’s theory applies in Justin as he appears to be cognitively normal for his age group. He has moved into what Piaget calls the preoperational stage of cognitive development.
He is seen demonstrating what Piaget calls egocentrism when he refuses to share the puzzle he is playing with.
Social/emotional
development Justin seems to be rather normal in social-emotional development Family risk factors such as maternal depression or mental illness in the family, parental substance abuse, parent incarceration, parental unemployment, family violence and poverty. Risk factors within the child include fussy temperament, developmental delay and serious health issues. Justin’s parents can help him develop in this domain by providing him with stable caregivers and predictable routines.
They can provide him opportunities to spend time with other children allows toddlers to interact and engage in conflict over toys gives them an opportunity to develop perspective and learn skills for solving their own problems, as well as teaching them how to self-regulate their behavior. Justin is seen demonstrating the egocentric behavior expected of a toddlers. He has moved in to the next stage of Erikson’s Psychosocial Development, the Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt period. Adults support autonomy when they recognize that the toddler needs to feel self-sufficient and capable.
