EDUC111 Week 2 Discussion

Describe specific benchmarks that you would look for when observing children as indicators that they are progressing in their social-emotional development. Give specific examples supported by the theories presented in the readings and lesson content.

Classmate #1:

Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development consists of eight stages, each linked to a specific developmental task. By observing children going through stages 1-5, you can assess their progress in social-emotional development by identifying specific benchmarks. The benchmarks that are highlighted in Erikson’s 8 stages are emotional regulation, attachment and trust, self-identity, independence and problem-solving,

1. Infancy is the stage between birth and 1 year of age, children face basic conflict of Trust vs. Mistrust. Trust is a fundamental foundation for future relationships and begins to develop in infancy. According to Erikson’s theory, the primary caregiver plays a critical role in this stage. Infants seek comfort from those who care for them and this fosters confidence to explore new surroundings.

2. Children develop independence and self-control During the ages of 1-3. The Early childhood stage faces the basic conflict of Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt stage. Children often demonstrate a sense of autonomy and self-determination by insisting on doing things on their own, such as dressing themselves. This behavior is a sign of a child’s growing sense of self-awareness and self-efficacy.

3. In Play Age (3-6 years), children go through the Initiative vs. Guilt stage. Children typically start showing the ability to plan and initiate tasks at this age. A preschooler organizing a game of hide-and seek with friends for example, shows they are developing a sense of purpose and direction. This stage is critical as it helps children learn how to take on new challenges and become more self-sufficient.

4. During the School Age stage (6 to 12 years), children go through the Industry vs. Inferiority stage. At this stage, children are expected to develop competence in both academic and social tasks, as they begin to navigate social interactions and social expectations. Completing school assignments and feeling proud of their accomplishments can indicate a sense of industry in a child. By developing competency in various areas, children can build a solid foundation for future academic and social success.

5. Adolescence (ages 12 to 18) is a developmental stage known as Identity vs. Role Confusion. This is a period of exploration and self-discovery, where teenagers attempt to form a stable sense of self-identity and personal values. Peers play a huge role in how they may explore their interests, beliefs, and values, gradually forming a coherent sense of self and direction. This developmental milestone is crucial to their emotional growth and sets the foundation for their future relationships and career aspirations.

Resources:
Erik Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development (simplypsychology.org)

Eriksons Stages of Psychosocial Development – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)

Classmate #2:

Good afternoon class,

Social and emotional development is important in helping children create and build sustainable relationships with their peers and adults. Social and emotional development begins early in life, starting from birth, and continues into adulthood, according to Erik Erickson’s theory of emotional development. It is essential for children to learn to react properly to the emotions different situations in life can create for them and even more crucial for them to have this ability in order to transition into adulthood. Without developing socially and emotionally, it would be difficult for these children to live a balanced and successful life as they entered adulthood.

There are different benchmarks for different age groups of children when looking for indicators of socio-emotional development.

Below are some of the benchmarks that I would use when observing children ages 5-7:

1. I would observe how the children interact with their friends. Children of these ages would typically create some friendships where they might start to ask questions, tell stories, and create fantasy worlds with their friends.
2. How they react to new rules being introduced. Children in this age group should be more willing to cooperate with new rules and understand the rules more clearly. They might also start to feel remorse if they intentionally go against the rules set in place.
3. I would also look for an increase in the need to be independent. An example of this that I have observed was watching a child learn to tie their own shoes and being adamant about doing so. According to Erikson’s stages of emotional development, this behavior would fall into the accomplishment/industry vs inferiority. Once a child learns to tie their shoes, they might feel accomplished.
4. The child should start to voice their wants and needs and their likes/dislikes. I think it is important to realize that it might not always be in a calm manner but it is something that we can teach them to communicate effectively and we should start to see these wants and needs expressed more calmly than not.
   1. A small example I immediately thought of, is when a child picks a favorite color, they are actively wanting that color around them more and they will usually voice this. Whether through wearing their favorite color, wanting their backpacks to be this color, or even using crayons of their favorite colors more than other colors. Children can show a preference for a favorite color early on in life, but it is something I have noticed they voice clearly as they age.

References

Help me Grow. (2020). Social & Emotional Milestones. Helpmegrowmn.org. https://helpmegrowmn.org/HMG/DevelopMilestone/Soci…

Huitt, W. (2008). Educational Psychology Interactive: Socioemotional development. Www.edpsycinteractive.org. https://www.edpsycinteractive.org/topics/affect/er…