When I Think of Child Development

Early Childhood Quote

“We are guilty of many errors and many faults, but our worst crime is abandoning the children, neglecting the fountain of life. Many of the things we need can wait. The child cannot. Right now is the time his bones are being formed, his blood is being made, and his senses are being developed. To him we cannot answer ‘Tomorrow’, his name is today.”

Gabriela Mistral

Retrieved from http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/leading-the-international-agenda/education-for-all/advocacy/global-action-week/gaw-2012/quotes-on-ecce/

Children's Holistically

When considering a commitment to viewing young children holistically a child's "physical health and physical growth" should be assessed. Physical Development& Health refers to physical well-being, use of the body, muscle control, and appropriate nutrition, exercise, hygiene, and safety practices(Berger, 2016). Starting out healthy early lays the foundation for a life long healthy living. This is important because it helps with children's learning opportunities. Physical health can hinder or help young children learn better. For example,childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that affects children. It occurs when a child is well above the normal weight and height. Obesity is increassing world wide (Berger, 2016). Being obese for a child also means that they have to take on the emotional stress of being bullied or not accepted by their peers. A child who is obese or malnourished may also be physically unfit to participate in class. Young children learn best when they receive good health care, nutrition, and sleep. They also need to eat well in order to maximize their learning activities. In addition to, ongoing assessment is a responsible form of gathering information on young children's progress. For example, information gained in the assessment process can also be used in the planning of work that addresses the needs of the child as evidenced in the collection of work samples and teacher observations.

In researching ways in which school-age children are assessed in other parts of the world, I chose to further explore the assessment in school-age children in South Africa. All South Africans have the right to a basic education including adult basic education and access to additional eucation. South Africa has one of the highest rates of public investment in education in the world. The Department of Education in Africa has a curriculum which includes learning areas language,math,social sciences, art, culture, orientation,and economic management. All of these have assessment standards.

Here is a link to a video I found on you tube called "Child-friendly schools inspire a brighter future for South Africa's young people" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfRYu5eR9nw

Reference

Atmore, E. (2013). Early Childhood Development in South Africa--Progress Since the End of Apartheid. International Journal Of Early Years Education, 21(2-3), 152-162.

Berger, K. S. (2016). The developing person through childhood (7th ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers.