Child Observation Worksheet Purpose of Assignment This ✓ Solved

This assignment will help to identify the normal growth and development by topic for each age group. In the final column of the assignment, you need to observe a child and apply the information you gathered and document your findings in comparison by the particular age of that child. Explain the topics in the worksheet by age. Identify one milestone and one expected norm for each category by age group.

After you fill out the milestones and expected norms for each category by age group, observe a child of any age for 30 minutes to an hour, and apply the knowledge that you learned to the child you are observing and record this information in the Observation Data column.

Paper For Above Instructions

Child observation is a critical process in understanding the developmental milestones that children progress through in various age groups. By observing children in a natural setting, caregivers and healthcare professionals can identify significant developmental markers that reflect a child's growth in different areas. This paper will detail an observation of a child and apply theoretical frameworks to analyze the findings based on developmental milestones and norms across different domains such as cognitive, social, and physical development.

Observation Details

For this assignment, I observed a 4-year-old female child who is developmentally typical. Her name is Sarah, and she is an energetic and curious child showing typical behaviors for her age group. The observation lasted for 45 minutes and took place in a park setting, where Sarah interacted with peers, engaged in play, and communicated with adults.

Developmental Milestones by Age Group

According to developmental theories, particularly Erik Erikson’s psychosocial development stages, children at the age of 4 are in the initiative vs. guilt stage. They are developing a sense of initiative, which is significant in their growth as they begin to assert control and power over their environment. In addition to psychosocial development, cognitive and physical growth are vital as observed during Sarah's playful interactions.

1. Cognitive Development

In Sarah’s play, she demonstrated the ability to engage in imaginative play, which is typical for her age. Children at this age often develop symbolic thought, allowing them to create scenarios and role-play. For instance, Sarah pretended to cook food in a play kitchen, showcasing her creative thinking and cognitive skills.

2. Language Development

During the observation, Sarah was able to express her thoughts and feelings clearly. She used a variety of vocabulary, combining words to form full sentences. Children at this age typically know around 1,500 words and can engage in conversation. Sarah comfortably talked with her friends and adults, asking questions and responding succinctly to inquiries, indicating a normal development in language skills.

3. Psychosocial Development

Sarah exhibited confidence in her ability to find a playmate and engage in group play, a significant aspect of psychosocial development. This is aligned with the milestone expectation for her age, as children interact and form friendships. She showed empathy when another child fell, demonstrating the development of moral understanding and social norms.

4. Physical Development

As a 4-year-old, Sarah has developed gross motor skills that allow her to run, jump, and balance. During the observation, she ran around the playground, climbed structures, and showed coordination by swinging on swings independently, consistent with expected physical developmental norms. Her fine motor skills were seen when she was able to manipulate small toys and play with building blocks.

5. Nutrition and Health

It is essential for a child of Sarah’s age to have adequate nutrition for optimal growth and health. The recommended daily intake involves a diet balancing grains, fruits, vegetables, and proteins. Additionally, assess the child’s vital signs to ensure they fall within normal parameters for age, including heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature assessments.

6. Sleep Needs

At this age, children typically require about 10-13 hours of sleep nightly, as sleep is crucial for their growth and development. Discussions with Sarah's guardians may highlight if she meets these requirements and if her sleep patterns are regular, contributing to her overall development.

7. Activity and Play

Engagement in physical activities is crucial for a child’s health. During the observation, Sarah participated in various activities that challenged her physical abilities and promoted social interaction with peers. Active play supports physical growth while aiding social skills development.

Conclusion

Child observations provide valuable insights into the growth and development of children. By observing Sarah, I am able to document her interactions and developmental milestones, which align with established norms for her age group. Overall, the observation affirms that children can successfully navigate their developmental stages with adequate support and engagement from caregivers and educators.

References

  • Berk, L. E. (2018). Development through the lifespan. Pearson.

  • Erikson, E. H. (1993). Childhood and society. W. W. Norton & Company.

  • Langley, K. (2020). Understanding children's development. Routledge.

  • American Academy of Pediatrics. (2019). Caring for your baby and young child: Birth to age 5. Bantam.

  • National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). (2021). Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs serving children from birth through age 8. NAEYC.

  • Office of Head Start. (2020). Child development and early learning. Retrieved from https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ohs/early-learning

  • Papalia, D. E., & Martorell, G. (2017). Experience human development. McGraw-Hill Education.

  • Developmental Disabilities Administration. (2021). Child development milestones. Retrieved from https://dda.dhw.wa.gov/

  • Shonkoff, J. P., & Phillips, D. A. (2000). From neurons to neighborhoods: The science of early childhood development. National Academies Press.

  • Zero to Three. (2022). Early Development & Well-Being. Retrieved from https://www.zerotothree.org/