Course Syllabus

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Intro to Child Development

Mrs. Bender

Rm. 111/ Child Lab

e-mail: benderk@wellesleyps.org

This course that considers fundamental perspectives and critical thoughts on social, emotional, biological and cognitive aspects of human development from birth through year five. Concepts such as human learning, social interaction, thinking, memory, and personality are explored.  Students will make observations of the Child Lab preschool students and prepare for actual involvement with the children through course study and planning lessons for several areas including literacy, creative arts, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, math). 

With successful completion of this course you should be able to:

*describe the stages of social, emotional, psychological, physical and cognitive development from infancy through childhood.

*compare and contrast widely cited theories of development such as those of Watson, Erikson, Piaget, Vygotsky, Skinner, etc. as they relate to child development.

 

The use of cell phones and headphones/earbuds are prohibited in Rm. 111 and the Child Lab classroom.

 

Grading: The course will be based on a total of 100 points. 

  • 15% Research and response (3-5 assignments)
    • review of articles, videos, and podcasts highlighting key concepts, including:
      • communication of key learning to peers 
      • connecting understanding across topics and stages
  • 40% Class projects (2-4 projects) 
    • Creating informational pamphlets and posters supporting or debunking "common knowledge" about pregnancy and the prenatal period of development
    • Researching and correlating developmental milestones and supporting activities and experiences across early childhood ages and stages
    • Comparing and contrasting a variety of theories child development and approaches to early childhood education
    • Evaluating children's media (books, apps, television programming, etc) and it's impact on social, emotional, and intellectual development
  • 40%  In-class activities (everything else)
    • reflections and take-aways demonstrating understanding, synthesis, and piqued curiosity
    • hands-on experiences and activities providing insight into the lived experience of young children. 
  • 5% Participation
    • complies with technology and attendance policies
    • engages in discussions
    • active in group projects
    • fulfills obligations in a timely manner

 

Academic Excellence * Commitment to Community

Respect for Human Differences * Cooperative & Caring Relationships