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PHILOSOPHY

Children are not an easy group to figure out. There are so many different personalities within the
different age groups that sometimes it may feel that you cannot keep up with the reactions of
your own children. The key to understanding them is to learn about them. Easier said than done
right? Well that part would be up to you.
For many years theorist have studied child of different age groups and have come up with some
amazing results regarding children and their cognitive, physical, social, and emotion
developments. For example:
Theorist B. F. Skinner felt that changes in a childs behavior are a function of
reinforcement and punishment. It is stated that Skinner formulated this theory that says
when a child is rewarded for good behavior; he/she is more likely to continue to have that
good behavior. Without a reward, or positive reinforcement, the child would not have
motivation to continue the good behavior (PBWorks, ND, para 1). He is generally
saying that if the child sees the prize they are going to keep going for it.
Theorist Urie Bronfenbrenner stated that child development results from a complex series
of interactions and accommodations between a child and the systems in which they live.
Bronfenbrenner envisioned the environment as a series of nested structures that form a
complex functioning whole, or system. These include but also extend beyond the home,
school, and neighborhood settings in which children spend their everyday lives. (Berk,
2012, pg 26).
These and other theories make a lot of sense and when you read them, you may just find the
theory that coincides with your own children. Of course you will not agree with all but I am sure
there is a theory that fits and will make you say no wonder or even I will have to pay attention
to that.
In my studies I realized that I have three favorite theories or Ideal theories. They are the
theories of Jean Piaget, Erik Erickson, and Lev Vygotsky. These three men conducted test and
came up with conclusion that would be the first theories that I would whole heartedly agree with:
Piaget: Children develop cognitive skills through active interactions with the
environment. Development is the process of learning to represent, process, store and
retrieve information. According to his cognitive-development theory, children actively
construct knowledge as they manipulate and explore their world. (Berk, 2013, pg 19).
Erickson: The child progresses through stages by age and adapting to the socialcultural
environment. The Erickson theory is used based on the fact that it has been defined as
well-equipped to resolve the crises of early adulthood; this can be successfully reached
once the crises of adolescence has been resolved. (Kensell, 2006, para1).
Vygotsky: His theory of human development is highly dependent on culture and
language. Vygotsky believed that children became more knowledgeable with their

interactions with different members of society. Vygotsky agreed that children are
active, constructive beings. But whereas Piaget emphasized childrens independent
efforts to make sense of their world, Vygotsky viewed cognitive development as a
socially mediated process, in which children depend on assistance from adults and moreexpert peers as they tackle new challenges. (Berk, 2013, pg 25).
From these theories, I believe there are developing stages mentally as well as physically for a
child and I also believe that children learn from their immediate society. Slowly as a child ages
they begin to understand who and what is around them. Each age group brings on a new
development as well as challenge.
Each child may be a challenge whether it is easy or hard, just know that there are resources out
there to help you. I for one am thankful for the many resources that are available to everyone. I
take advantage of that fact and I encourage you to do the same.

Resources:
Berk, L. (2013). Child Development. Ninth edi. Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River,
NJ.
Lets Get To Know (ND). Kohlbergs Theory of Moral Development. Word Press. Retrieved
from: https://letsgettoknow.wordpress.com/2012/12/13/kohlbergs-theory-of-moraldevelopment-a2-aqa/

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