Child Development 6-12 years
Semester Research Project-30%
This assignment will be introduced and discussed in class. Remember to read it ahead of time to fully understand the requirements. Sign up is on a first come, first served basis and will be explained in class.
Due: See critical path for specific due dates.
Description
The focus of this assignment is to increase your knowledge on Middle childhood important themes. This period of development is a time of rapid change for children and their families. It is important for early childhood educators to have current knowledge on major changes in development, issues, trends, socialization, technology, and resources related to school-age children. Finding facts and increasing understanding of school-agers is a vital research skill for all ECEs. Research findings in this period of development is crucial for educators to program and implement activities to support the overall development of the school age child.[unique_solution]
Learning Outcomes Evaluated # 1, 2, 3, 10 &11
#1- Examine various theoretical frameworks, debates, and conceptualizations to understand child development 6 to 12 years
#2- Assess how the principles of growth and development are evident in individuals to inform professional practice
#3- Evaluate how observed patterns of learning and development in children are influenced by multiple contextual factors to support individual children’s abilities, interests, and needs in particular to middle childhood
#10- Explain the importance of play in promoting children’s healthy growth, development, and learning
#11- Analyze professional practice in positive approaches to guidance to support children’s well-being
PART 1
This component will help you select your group members and research topic, individual and group responsibilities. While this component does not have a value, it is important to help you plan and ensure success on your research project.
Steps:
- Students will select their group members (4 members per group) based on topic of interest
- Select your topic from a variety of choices provided in the last section of this document. You must select your group members and topic by week #2.
- Write a contract to guide your group work and distribute responsibilities equitably.
- Time will be assigned in class to complete these components and to select the day of your presentation.
Part 2/ Value 10%
Prepare a 10 minutes oral presentation and Q/A period. The oral presentation can
be prepared based on the questions you develop to guide the research process. For example, what is your topic? Why is this topic relevant for you to research? How would this topic support your professional development?
For your oral presentation:
- Use visuals
- Answer the questions you composed to guide your research process
- Engage your classmates on your presentation (questions, game….)
- Prepare a one page summary with main points from your presentation and post it on BB
- Read the rubric to ensure you cover all the components on the criteria and be sure to hand in the rubric on the day of your presentation, attached to your completed paper.
PART 3/Value 20%
Guidelines for submitting the research component:
Write a paper to display the current and updated research and understanding on the topic of your choice. Your paper should be 6-8 pages long.
Follow the APA format 6th Edition
The cover and reference pages are additional to the required pages
Use minimum 4 peer reviewed journal articles from Humber database.
The paper must include the following requirements:
- Latest Research on the topic (5-10 years back).
- Write two questions to guide your research (Parts 2 & 3)
- Explain the impact on the school age child’s development
- Explain the role of adults; both educators and parents
- Include one community/professional organization that offers direct services to children and their families on the topic you researched
- Submit via Safe Assign & BB dropbox
Write the paper using language that is professional and informative for educators as the reader. Use appropriate APA format and referencing. Relate the content to your research on child development from this course and other sources.
Tips for Success:
- Format – All written work should be typed and use APA Format. A cover page, reference page and rubric should be included in all submissions
- Writing mechanics – All work should be free of errors in spelling and/or grammar. Please review/edit your work multiple times and, if necessary, use the resources available at Humber (e.g. Writing Centre; Peer Tutor; ongoing informal Instructor feedback) to ensure your final submission meets this requirement.
- APA – All research must include appropriate use of APA referencing throughout. This includes a properly formatted: title page, full reference page and in text citations (paraphrased and direct quotes). All graphics used must also be cited and referenced. Please refer to your Haig, Raikes, & MacMillan (2014) APA guide to ensure your final submission meets this requirement.
NOTE: Any absence of required APA components violates our Academic Integrity policy and may result in the submission of your work to the Associate Dean for academic misconduct.
- Evaluation rubrics – Refer to the evaluation rubric often to ensure that your work meets all assignment criteria. It is also important that you provide the appropriate rubric with the submission of your work.
- Ensure you ask many questions to understand this assignment. You can send an e-mail, meet with me in person, post to the online discussion page, pose questions in class, and show me your work to see if you are on the right track. My role is to provide guidance and support.
SEE TOPICS BELOW AND SEE CRITICAL PATH FOR DATES THAT TOPICS MUST BE PRESENTED.
SCHOOL-AGE RESEARCH TOPICS
Using the following visuals: (Puzzle, Alphabet Book, Video, Power-points, Trivia Game, Documentary, Mapping, Information Board, Drama, etc. this must be approved by your professor)
- ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN (Issues) TO BE PRESENTED ON WEEK 9
What are issues for ‘at risk’ school-agers? Why are school-agers vulnerable to social, emotional, environmental or other risks? How does being ‘at risk’ affect a school-agers’ development? Look for two local or national projects that advocates have started to promote understanding, empathy and support for at risk children. Include the benefit of parent involvement and awareness.
Presentation
Include a flyer or outline of the two projects.
- AUTHOR STUDY (Trend)TO BE PRESENTED ON WEEK 5
Visit your local library (not Humber) and choose five popular authors for school-age children. Identify the issues of reading for this age group; what are the challenges, characteristics of the child as a reader, what appeals to the school-ager? How do they choose what to read? Who are popular authors for school-agers?
Remember you are looking for literature for school-age children NOT preschoolers.
Presentation
Design a quiz that could help the class learn about developmentally appropriate literature for this age group.
Display books and be prepared to discuss why early childhood educators need to know about quality literature for school age children. Presenter must have a computer on display.
- BULLYING (Issue)TO BE PRESENTED ON WEEK 9
Research the importance of changing social relationships and friendships that are important in middle childhood. Examine the risk of social bullying as well as cyberbullying to the school-ager’s social and emotional development. What are key facts that educators and parents need to know about this issue? What are strategies that adults can utilize to minimize the risk of harm for the child?
Presentation
Include in the display, the Canadian organization PREVNet.
- BUSY CHILD, BUSY LIFE (Before and after school) (Issues) TO BE PRESENTED ON WEEK 9
Many children of this age are very busy from 7am-9pm or later. Not only are they in school all day with expectation of homework, but also in after school care, sports, community activities, caring for siblings, chores and more. Examine how the “hurried child” (as David Elkind calls them) lives their life and the impact of this on their development. How can we support parents understand this and how to best support their children? Investigate “The Last Child In the Woods”
Presentation
Include a typical schedule of a very busy school-ager’s day from waking in the morning to sleeping at night.
- CARING FOR THE WORLD (Issues)TO BE PRESENTED ON WEEK 10
Children in school age are introduced to many global issues; 3 R’s (reduce, reuse, recycle) to help the environment, war and conflict, homelessness and community violence. Explore what this means to the school-ager, how they are exposed to these issues and asked to take action. Is this too early for them to be involved? Is it a good thing to inform and ask them to take care of serious issues of the adult world? Find one project that includes an issue that the school-ager participates in.
Presentation
Include the project that school-agers are involved with. Bring awareness of 1 organization i.e UNICEF, Me to We, Caring for the World, Refugee, etc.
- CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT IN BOYS(Issues)TO BE PRESENTED ON WEEK 10
Explore http://www.bgccan.com/en/Pages/default.aspx Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, and what the organization is about. Research issues that young boys face and how parents can utilize the services of organizations such as these to support their sons. Research and describe how do school age boys develop qualities in their character; social, moral and emotional growth that lead to their adolescent health.
Presentation
Include information on Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada. Bristol Board collection of pamphlets from different organizations.
- CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT IN GIRLS (Issues)TO BE PRESENTED ON WEEK 10
Explore Canadian Women’s Foundation: http://www.canadianwomen.org/facts-about-girls and Because I am a Girl: http://becauseiamagirl.ca/ and what these charitable organizations are doing to help school-age girls in the community. Research character development in girls and describe how they can develop into strong adolescents through relationships with others. Describe the role parents and educators have and why it is important for them to understand key issues facing young girls and how to support them.
Presentation
Include the two organizations in the display. Collection of pamphlets from different organizations.
- COMMUNICATING WITH THE SCHOOLAGE CHILD (Resources)TO BE PRESENTED ON WEEK 12
Parents and educators sometimes find communicating with school-agers challenging. Research some key issues that affect communication; both on the style of interaction school-agers display, how to talk and listen to them and what changes occur as they develop. Research how events in their lives such as; school expectations, separation or divorce of parents, moving, peer pressure, and more affect the way school-agers and adults communicate. Suggest 3-4 key strategies adults can use to keep communication open with children.
Presentation
Include an example of strategies to use with school-agers.
- COMPETITION VS COOPERATION (Issues, Resources and Entertainment) TO BE PRESENTED ON WEEK 4
School age is often the time when children experience competition. This can come in school, sports or sometimes in their families and communities. Explore the value and danger of competition, and how to help children manage it. Research cooperative learning principles for this age group, how it can be used with groups and the value of it. Describe strategies that are effective for best practices and positive developmental growth.
Presentation
Include the advantages and challenges of both competition and cooperation.
- CREATIVE ART (Entertainment) TO BE PRESENTED ON WEEK 12
Creativity is vital for the school-ager. Opportunities for creative art experiences vary as they become immersed in academics at school. Research and describe the value of creative art experiences for developmental growth; expression, use of different materials and divergent thinking.
Look at books by Mary Wallace. http://www.goodreads.com/author/list/506391.Mary_Wallace
Why is this type of literature important for this age-group? Look at the needs for this age group, literacy skills, need for self- expression and more.
Presentation
Include an example of a book by Mary Wallace. Bring materials in for display. Hands on activity for everyone to participate in.
- DRAMATIC EXERCISES (Entertainment and Resource)TO BE PRESENTED ON WEEK 12
Research the value of drama in the school-ager’s life. Describe how acting out a role, or pretend/fantasy play is necessary in the school-ager’s development. Find 3 dramatic exercises (this does not mean dramatic play) i.e. pantomime, scripting and performing a play mime, or others. Briefly describe the benefit of the types of drama, each exercise and be prepared to teach the class one of the exercises.
Presentation
Include one of the examples of an experience to demonstrate (drama)
- HEALTH – OBESITY (Issue)—TO BE PRESENTED ON WEEK 3
Research the current issues related to middle childhood obesity. What trends led us to this? What are the contributing factors? Describe the impact on development of the school-ager; physically, socially and emotionally. Research what is being done to address this issue and find Canadian statistics on the 6-12 year age group. Describe strategies that will help today’s children and families?
Presentation
Include a Canadian initiative that parents and educators can use and learn from.
Make a pamphlet.
- HEALTH – SLEEP & SLEEP PATTERNS, SELF-CARE & BODY IMAGE (Resources and Issue) —TO BE PRESENTED ON WEEK 3
Examine issues of personal care; sleep and sleep patterns, self-care and body image of school-agers from 6-12 years. Research the challenges for the school-ager and their changing bodies. Describe strategies for parents and educators to consider and use while establishing self-appreciation, care and expectations for the children.
Presentation
Include strategies for parents to use with the school-ager. Do an Infograph/Prezi
- GROSS MOTOR GAMES (Resources)TO BE PRESENTED ON WEEK 4
Research why using games with school-agers is important to their development and growth. Describe the benefit of using games for different kinds of learning; socially, physically, emotionally. Find 4 websites that would serve as a resource for after-school caregivers looking for great gross motor games that could be played in a small or large group indoors or outdoors. Present the list of websites, briefly indicating why your chosen sites are great.
Presentation
Include one game that is easy to explain and demonstrate with materials in a pamphlet. Have enough copies for everyone in the class.
- MATH MANIA TO BE PRESENTED ON WEEK 5
Research how the school-agers understand mathematics. How does math contribute to enjoyment, frustration and creativity in school age? There are many ways that mathematical concepts are being introduced to children to support their learning. Explore how to educators can use different approaches with children and understand its great potential for learning.
Presentation
Include a mathematical concept using natural material.(Include a Game)
- MEDIA LITERACY (Issues and Trends)TO BE PRESENTED ON WEEK 12
Research Media-Literacy – describe what it is. Why it this topic an integral part of the Ontario Curriculum? What can after-school caregivers do to help children and their families become media literate? Describe the impact of technology of many types on the development of the school-ager. Provide strategies to educators and parents on how to guide the school-ager.
Presentation
Include an example of challenges to the school-ager’s development. Do a Newsletter.
- MUSIC (Resource and Trend)TO BE PRESENTED ON WEEK 5
Research the current trend in music and the impact of today’s entertainment exposure to the school-ager. Explore the type of music that is appealing to the school-ager. Why does it attract their attention? How does it impact the domains of development and understanding of themselves and others? Explore at least 3 different types of music that the school age enjoys and its relevance to growth and understanding of life.
Presentation
Include samples ( one for 6 year olds and the second one for 12 year olds) of music that school-agers listen to and provide lyrics (involve the audience).
- NATURE AND SCIENCE, OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT (Resource, Issue and Trend) —TO BE PRESENTED ON WEEK 4
Science and exploration offers a wonderful learning and discovery experience. Research the importance of this for the school-ager, educators and parents. Include a description of the issues of the child’s diminished time in nature and the reasons for this. Include research on the developmental issues. Find three outdoor or science based learning opportunities educators can use with their children. Make sure the materials are primarily natural materials.
Presentation
Include examples of the learning experience with natural materials
- DIVERSITY: GENDER IDENTITY, CULTURE etc. (Issues and Resources)TO BE PRESENTED ON WEEK 9
What is your role as an Early Childhood Educator: understanding and building relationships with children, families, and communities? Discuss the perspectives, attitudes, and systemic barriers that affect school agers. What are the challenges school agers face at school. What are the responsibilities and strategies to inform public awareness and encourage engagement to create social transformation?
Presentation
Include a glossary of words and definitions to your audience. Create a Jeopardy Game.
- HOW DOES DEATH AFFECT SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN? (Issues and Resources)TO BE PRESENTED ON WEEK 9
Given their development level and understanding of death, how do you think school age children react to the death of a parent or loved one? Discuss the challenges in family composition, how does it affect their school work and relationships?
Presentation
Include an example of challenges to the school-ager’s development. In your presentation include books that educators and parents/caregivers can use. Also, resources in the community that can help families with this issue.
- THE IMPACT OF DIVORCE IN SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN (Issues and Resources)TO BE PRESENTED ON WEEK 9
How does divorce affect a child’s development? Can constant hostility and tension between the parents lead to a child’s health problems? How does it affect their school work? Discuss the challenges in family composition: Single–parent families, do the parents share custody? Living in blended families.
- S.T.E.A.M PROGRAM IN THE SCHOOL AGE YEARS (Program and Resources)TO BE PRESENTED ON WEEK 4
This component of learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) has become a focus in some school environments. Research the importance of this approach in the school years. How it can benefit children’s learning and promote hands on exploration? Use the Ministry of Education material to explore how this is being implemented and the reasons for it. Describe two experiences for children that will focus on one of the STEAM components.
Presentation
Include table and summary of your findings, an example of challenges to the school-ager’s development. Include resources in the community as well as books from the library for educators and parents/caregivers.