Language, the Gateway to Learning

Many students in today’s Developmental Psychology class offered their thoughts and ideas on how a Montessori school can provide a better learning environment, but they focused on order, obedience, walking, or the use of hands. They omitted the sensitive period of language, the vital period of development that will stimulate brain activity that will lead them to fruitful lives via learning. However, language isn't exclusive to a foreign language such as Spanish, Chinese, or French, but also mathematics, art, and music (Just not music by ICP, we might turn them into homicidal clowns). Today’s school systems are focused on the NCLB standards of math, science, and reading. As America continues to fall behind the other first-world nations in education, we need to continue to evaluate and evolve. We've neglected this vital period in a child’s development, limiting their creativity, and suppressing extra-curricular interests. Montessori recognized this vital period in a child’s development, and this period helps stimulate brain activity that will help the child be more receptive to additional learning. Additionally during this vital time period, some parents talk gibberish (goo-goo, gah-gah) during this sensitive period, and this gibberish is not expected to be considered a language. It is vital for the American education system to reintroduce vital developmental programs to accompany reading, mathematics, and science. Programs that need to be taught at the early development phase such as a foreign language, music, and art. These programs when taught will help our children take the lead in education and allow us to be competitive around the world.

Nuggets of wisdom from the theorists

All of these theorists had valuable insights into how children develop and progress through certain phases. I believe that they all may be correct. Everyone is different, so why should we all necessarily progress through the same phases of development? Not to say that there isn't tremendous overlap, but isn't it possible that everyone's development is a hybrid of these ideas? That being said, two things I definitely think should be taken from these theorists are: 1. Montessori's notion of letting children direct their own learning. Just as the article said, the Montessori student who taugh his/herself to read was extremely proud of that fact and accomplished it just as well if not better than children following regular curriculum. My experience teaching children from PreK-2nd grade in Vacation Bible School every summer has made me keenly aware of the fact that children do much better when the activity is "their" idea. Even if it is something they would have probably wanted to do anyways, being forced to do something reduces their enthusiam and pleasure in the activity. I would suggest that communities support Montessori schools more vehemently, or develop similar techniques in daycares and preschools to take advantage of every learning opportunity. 2. Erikson's Industry vs. Inferiority stage is also a very important one to focus on. I think that providing middle school aged children with more important and satisfying daily work would encourage them to see themselves as industrious. Not only would this combat feelings of inferiority frequently experienced by socially focused and emotionally maturing middle schoolers but it would also help them to better find their identity in Erikson's next phase. One way to do this would be to do more large projects like science or history fairs, speeches, plays, vignettes or other large undertakings of the student's choosing. This will peak their interest in a particular subject or develop their skills in a certain area such as research, speaking, or acting. All of these achievements will help them gain a feeling of industriousness.

I loved Erikson’s construct of balance in each of his stages – “the resolution of conflict from opposing forces (Miller)”.  I believe this lends credence to the nuance of personality.  I have to disagree and say that each stage can be passed without wholly grasping the positive aspect before being able to level up.  For instance, lack of intimacy in Stage 6 may necessitate generativity in Stage 7 (isolation might stimulate an urge to protect future victims, e.g. becoming an addictions counselor after surviving childhood molestation at the hands of a drunk uncle).  Likewise, a basic mistrust in the very first stage of life may spur on autonomy in the second (stronger independent identity based on lack of consistency).

I also liked that Erikson’s theory spanned an entire lifetime.  Development may be most important in early childhood (for a solid foundation on which future expansion of identity will be based), but humans are by nature malleable.  The concept of adaptation does not dissolve with adolescence – it is human nature to broaden our knowledge of the world and internalize it in order to put it to good use.  His studies were also cross-cultural, and it was fascinating to note that cultural relativity did not erase phases of development necessary for maturation.

I don’t know how to apply Erikson’s theory to parents who aren’t willing to learn from their mistakes, teachers who are jaded by failing public school systems, and Congressman who are more interested in giving themselves raises than making sure the people that voted them in can eat.  Also, I got stung on the back of the hand by a mega-huge wasp and it’s killing me to type any of this.

The End.

Do Ya Thang

According to Montessori, children go through five major sensitive stages in which they are especially attuned to learning/mastering various tasks such as walking, use of hands, language and establishing order. She stated that every child goes through these stages at their own pace ("from their own maturational promptings") and will move on to the next only after they have mastered their current sensitive stage. Montessori emphasized that children are not meant to be shaped like clay, as they learn independently, and that adults should not try to control learning so much as encourage it. I think it would be beneficial to kids if parents and teachers encouraged independent learning as opposed to rigorous, structured curriculums because learning about one's passions at one's own pace is better than learning something just because somebody says so. Legislators would do well to recognize this, too, and take much of the emphasis off of standardized testing and put it back onto actual learning.

Montessori also criticized the school system's practice of punishment/rewards for grades because it incentivizes the learning process, thus taking the emphasis off of learning and puts it on getting rewarded (by the grade, gold star, whatever) and avoiding punishment (a low grade, "frowny" face, ect.). This is harmful because if the punishment/reward comes first, "learning" is just a means to an end instead of a fulfilling experience in which tasks are mastered for their own sake. While I think it would be difficult to take grades out of the public education system, teachers/schools/society should focus on learning/mastery more than grades, as a grade isn't always representative of a student's understanding of subject material. 

September 16,2013

September 16 Response
I think there are valid points in all of the theories but I am going to go with Erickson's Theory, stage 1 Trust vs. Mistrust and stage 8 Integrity vs. Despair. I think parents should pay close attention to these stages because stage 1 sets the standard for the child's future. However, if the parent does not have trust in themselves it makes it difficult for the child to. Anyone can have children but that doesn't make their time together meaningful. In today's society it is important to have self-worth and self-trust in order to successfully reach our goals.

I chose stage 8 Integrity vs. Despair because so many of us fail to appreciate what we have while we have it. I lost my mother last year. It was hard to watch her in the final stage! She critically, went through past regrets and unfulfilled wishes. Now as a parent, I often look back and see the many opportunities I have missed with my mother and my children. We should pay close attention to this because with determination, we can transform our daily routines, hoping for long lasting satisfaction. Time is precious and is one thing we never get back. 

September 16 Response

September 16 Response
I think there are valid points in all of the theories but I am going to go with Erickson's Theory, stage 1 Trust vs. Mistrust and stage 8 Integrity vs. Despair. I think parents should pay close attention to these stages because stage 1 sets the standard for the child's future. However, if the parent does not have trust in themselves it makes it difficult for the child to. Anyone can have children but that doesn't make their time together meaningful. In today's society it is important to have self-worth and self-trust in order to successfully reach our goals.

I chose stage 8 Integrity vs. Despair because so many of us fail to appreciate what we have while we have it. I lost my mother last year. It was hard to watch her in the final stage! She critically, went through past regrets and unfulfilled wishes. Now as a parent, I often look back and see the many opportunities I have missed with my mother and my children. We should pay close attention to this because with determination, we can transform our daily routines, hoping for long lasting satisfaction. Time is precious and is one thing we never get back. 

advice from psychology theorists

Montessori believed children’s learning should be child lead and follow the five sensitive periods in which children are most susceptible to learning these periods all happen before the age of 6. She also believed that after these sensitive periods past it is more difficult for children to learn. Law makers and government officials should spend more money and focus on early childhood education and early childhood education should focus on the five sensitive periods.

Vygotsky believed that children were always watching and learning from what they saw. My advice to parents is that children learn from both parents and other adult’s behavior and actions all the time. Your children watch how you treat other people so treat others with respect.

 

Sept. 16 response to theories

I like how in the book where it mentions Freuds belief in psychic energy. When calling it psychic energy its something that I can actually grasp and get a hold on. In those words to me it is implying that people have their own energy or their own "vibe" I guess. The energy that one contains is set into emotions and our actions, we displace this energy into our lives into feelings such anxiety and nervousness. I also follow the latency period where children tend to put all their thoughts and urges into social endeavors. In this period it is said that the superego and ego continue to develop which I highly agree with. As the urges are directed more into making friends and relating to people this is helping to develop your ego and figuring out who you really are becoming. Eriksons view of trust vs. mistrust is a highly usable aspect to put forth in life. As a child develops they should understand that people can be trusted and mistrusted, see this in life but also try to stay positive or have an ideal on life. Eriksons view of play also intrigues me. Play is a way of mastering the world and figuring out all its little ins and outs of surviving and living a healthy happy life. Essentially just letting your mind wander and figure things out. I highly believe that people should "play" look at situations and analyze them to see what outcomes could be possible. Everyone has some kid in their heart and this will help to find and release that energy, couldn't agree with this idea anymore than I do!

Responce to Prompt. September 16th

According to the Psychosexual development theory of Freud’s there are several stages a child travels through in their life.  The first stage is the Oral stage, from birth to 1 year.  Freud explains that in this stage that everything revolves around the infant’s mouth, meaning they get satisfaction when something is in their mouth.  If these oral needs are not always met with what the infant is wanting, like food, it can become very frustrating for them and they may suck on their thumbs or other objects.  This may happen especially when weaning them to something new.  But in the end the infant learns how to cope with things.  My advise to new parents is to try to easily wean the infant into something new like from the nipple or bottle to a sipper cup and other things.  But do not deny the child of the oral satisfaction because it is a huge part in the love the child feels and discovers for their parents.

Now in the next stage, the anal stage, Freud explains how potty training plays a big role in the self-control a child learns to have over their life.  This stage occurs at about the age a lot of parents starts to potty train their children, from ages 1 year to 3 years.  In this stage Freud talks about how the parent follows through with the strictness of potty training can affect the child immensely.  If being to strict can cause the child to be either defiant and rebellious which leads to be a slob and careless later on in life, or they become almost OCD with things.  On the other hand when the parent is not strict enough this may cause the child to not learn self-control very well at all.  So my advice here to parents is to not be too strict on the child when potty training, but also to not be too lenient or passive on it either. 

I agreed with Freud in that the anal stage is an important time in a child's life. I also believe that there is no "right" time to begin potty training your child. There has to be some sort of happy medium when attempting to teach this ability. I believe that if the children have shown an interest in this, then that is the appropriate time to teach them. Children are naturally curious and strive for the sense of accomplishment that comes with learning new things. I don't believe in forcing a task because it is expected, or normal, as it were, for the age of the child. I can't speculate that the results or failed attempts would create an anal compulsive or expulsive personality. I do believe that positive reinforcements beget positive results and the same can be said for negative. It is a delicate time for a child's development, and I don't believe there is a finite, right answer that suits every child.

Response to prompt of Sept 16

In reference to Freud and his child development theory in the 'anal' stage.  The anal stage runs from roughly age eighteen months to three years of age.  Freud posits that finding a proper balance in potty training is crucial for the long term development of the child.  Thus parents should not attempt to force potty training onto a child immediately after weaning the child.  A too forceful approach, castigating or berating repeatedly, can cause a child to become 'anal retentive' in adulthood leading to control issues.  Likewise a too lenient approach can cause the child to become 'anal expulsive' as an adult which can lead to unkempt appearance, and untidy homes and work spaces.
Erikson's approach to Stage three: Initiative vs guilt forces the parent to find balance between enforcing rules and behavior conduct onto the child and not forcing the child to feel guilty about wrong doings.  At this stage of development the child begins to strongly identify with the parents and strive to be similar to them.  Parents at this stage must be very cautious of not only their actions but also their treatment of the child.  Severe punishments may cause the child to grow up with a crippling sense of guilt about fantasies or actions that are perceived as wrong.  Children successfully passing through this stage will have a strong initiative that will allow them to move forward in their development.

Maria Montessori thoughts

According to Montessori there are six critical periods that genetically programed blocks of time in which a child is eager and able to master certain tasks.

It is important for each child to master the specific skills at their own learning pace to achieve inner satisfaction. This means that it is better to let the child work on and master the things they truly desire to learn rather than telling them what they can or cannot work on.

Montessori thought authorities used rewards and punishments to make children submissive. This means that children anticipated or looked for approval on everything they did and forgot to think on their own and fulfill there wants and needs!

Parental advice from Freud and Erikson.

Freudian parental advice new mothers would be to breastfeed their babies in order to help satisfy the oral stage. Breast feeding assists in moving past this stage. Weaning a baby too quickly off the mother's breast could produce pessimistic traits and an oral fixation; on the other hand, prolonging the breast feeding of infants might foster overindulgence or feelings of helplessness. Freud would insist on breastfeeding but not for a prolonged period of time (i.e. until three years of age).

Erikson's parental advice from stage two, autonomy versus shame and doubt, would be to gradually guide your child while building self-regard and independence while he/she is gaining new skills and distinguishing right from wrong. Parents should provide daily opportunities for decision-making and freedom to explore the home (for example, childproof gate and locks). Erikson would advise that having a firm, not too easy going, non-harsh parenting style would be best in order to avoid future impulsive behaviors or experiences of doubt/shame to the extreme. 

Erick Erickson's Thoughts

Erickson's theory says we develop in psychosocial stages rather than psychosexual stages. According to Erickson, these eight stages occur as we go through life.

The first stage of this theory states that a child will experience trust or mistrust within their first year alive. This means you must be there to take care of a baby constantly during their first year of life because this will help them develop trust in the world they live in.

The sixth stage of development is intimacy versus isolation. This stage occurs in the early adulthood years. A child that is raised with proper social relationships will have a greater chance of developing intimate relationships and close friendships instead of living in isolation.

Prompt for the week of September 16th

Now that we have talked about a few developmental theories, we can also think about their application. Take Montessori, Freud, or Erikson and provide two insights from their theories for either parents, teachers, or law-makers. After each "nugget of wisdom" or insight taken from one of these theorists, provide a concrete recommendation ("you should do this....because....") from that theory.