Language can be defined as verbal, physical and biologically innate. Behaviourists often define language as a learning behaviour including a stimulus and response. There are varying theories on language development. Chomsky (1959) believed that children are born with specific linguistic knowledge and an inherited ability to learn any human language. He stated all children needed was a trigger to this pre-programmed ability to learn language as the brain was pre wired for language.
EDU10002 Understanding Language and Literature Assessment 1 There are many theoretical perspectives explaining how children develop and acquire language. Two well recognised cognitive psychologists, Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky, developed theories that addressed cognitive development and learning among children. Both theorists explore the development of a child’s way of thinking and examine the processes in how these developmental stages occur and impact on a child’s acquisition of language. Whilst there are similarities between the two theories, there are also significant differences. Language acquisition is the cognitive process where humans acquire the ability to perceive and comprehend language, as well as to produce and use words and sentences to communicate with one another (Friederici 2011).
Wilkinson states that these assessment aspects arose from an ‘interaction between our perceptions of the written materials, teachers’ judgements and theoretical considerations’ (Wilkinson, A., Barnsley, G. P., Hanna, P., & Swan, M., 1980). It is here that Wilkinson’s model of children’s development in writing is particularly helpful as it shows that the child has developed their quality of thought in a cognitive capacity; the child shows an awareness of the world and an ability to describe, interpret, generalise and speculate on it (Winch et al, 2010). Other ways that teachers may help children to expand on their development are through the use of VELS speaking and listening standards. Where students are given opportunities to use spoken language appropriately in a variety of classroom contexts, ask and answer simple questions for information and clarification and to produce brief spoken texts that deal with familiar ideas and information (VCAA, 2006). The ability of a child to draw on cognitive thought and view the world around them relates to the Piagetian Theory of child development.
Considering the work of key pioneers and current experts with links to child development theory. There are many theories about how children learn and develop. This area of study is called developmental psychology which covers subjects such as cognitive, language and emotional development. The research methods are based heavily on the on going assessments carried out by observing children over a period of time. Assessment is part of the process of understanding what children know, understand and can do so that future teaching steps can be appropriately planned.
A good way to teach this to a child who is having problems with synthetic patterns, is to give them books, like Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss. Orally repeating words that sound alike and practicing writing them as we say them. As we do this the child will be able to say that –at makes this sound in a words, which will help them learn new and bigger words. Also a good way to use this type of instruction is to use actual objects and have the child sort them by the way they sound, then writing those words, and then making sentences out of them. Alternative #2: Spelling Based Instruction, on pages 234 and 235, is an approach that focuses on each child individual level of knowledge.
“To capture and build on children’s natural enthusiasms, adults put themselves in children’s hands as often as possible. They follow children directions; willingly assume the pretend roles assigned to them by children and play games according to the child’s rules.” In this paper I will compare and contrast the key elements of the Reggio Emilia program and High/ Scope. I will begin the elements by describing the ways that the Reggio Emilia program focuses on developmentally appropriate practices such as cognitive, language, social emotional, and physical development. I will compare these to the High/ Scope program and the way that it supports developmentally appropriate practices such as cognitive, language, social emotional and physical development. In conclusion, I will evaluate the impact each program has on the family and community.
Although some children will develop normal speech and language skills without treatment by the time they enter school, it is important to identify those who will not. Many people falsely believe that speech-language treatment cannot and should not begin until a child begins to talk. Yet, research has shown that children know a great deal about their language even before the first word is said. For example, children can distinguish between their native language and a foreign language, use different nonverbal utterances to express different needs, and imitate different patterns of speech through
Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development Jean Piaget (1896-1980) studied how children’s thought processes develop and has been very influential in our understanding of children’s cognitive development. He believed that interaction with peers was the most critical factor in children’s cognitive development. ‘He described children as ‘"little scientists," actively constructing their own theories about the world, testing these theories, and adjusting to new information’ (quote taken from Kendra's Psychology Blog at about.com: Psychology). He suggested mental plans - schemas (schemata) function as guides for action, as structure for interpreting information, as frameworks for solving problems. (For full explanation on schemas, conservation, assimilation and accommodation and explanations of terminology see appendix 2).
Cognitive development is tied into physical and social interactions in the preschool years as children are constructing view of the world and actions in the preschool years as children are constructing a view of the world and discovering concepts. Play also enables children to sort through conflicts and deal with anxieties, fears, and disturbing feelings in an active, powerful way. Adults contribute to the development of children’s sense of initiative in several ways. Adutls are responsible for setting up the environments for children’s play and making sure it is safe for everybody in it. There has been a movement for many years to include children with disabilities with their peers in schools, preschools, and child care center.
1965. From the first days of life, children begin using their bodies to learn about the world around them. Piaget (1950) suggests that sensory and motor experiences are the basis for all intellectual functioning for approximately the first two years of life. As children continue to mature, their reliance on physical interactions with people and objects remains strong. Motor skills are an essential component of development for all children.