FCS 431 CSU Northridge Child Development Theories Cases Discussions

Instructions:

1. Choose 3 behaviors from the list below.
2. Restate the behavior you chose.
3. Choose at least 2 possible theorists’ explanations to inform and validate its significance to child development and assessment.
4. Explain the specific theory stage(s) or concept(s) that relates to the given behavior.
5. Lastly, clearly discuss HOW the theory informs you about the child’s behavior, or you will lose points. Do not summarize the entire theory, but within your explanation, you need to be very clear as to HOW the theory informs you about the child’s behavior. (See sample below) Example (from class exam review):

Kelly’s thinking that there is a possibility that “when he joins the team, it will impress a girl in his class that he really likes” demonstrates his ability to think hypothetically. According to Piaget’s theory, Kelly would be in the Formal Operations Stage which begins to develop, if at all, from approximately age 12 to adulthood. Children in this stage are developing the cognitive ability to think about abstract concepts, which would further validate Kelly’s abilities, as he appears to be high-school-aged.

Choose 3 from the list below and apply 2 theorists for each.

• A. 10-year-old Penny has trouble with pre-algebra and specifically the concept of negative numbers. Her teacher has brought her a weather thermometer to illustrate the concept.
• B. While at school, a 4-year-old male, Jack, often chooses to carry around a baby doll. He will pretend to feed the baby, change the diaper, and rock the baby to sleep.
• C. Teacher Amy catches little Julia just as she is about to put a plastic toy apple in her mouth.
• D. After a recent earthquake, young Joyce feels uncomfortable sleeping in her own room, even though her parents are sure to tuck her in, give her a kiss, and tell her they love her.
• E. Two-year-old Alice likes pink. Her caregiver gives her a pink sticker every time she urinates in the toilet.
• F. Frankie won a creative writing contest at her middle school and was excited to share the good news with her father, who encouraged her to enter.