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| For
Parents
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| Changes in Development April 2002 Dr. Sharon Carver |
| At the beginning
of spring, we anticipate improvements in the weather and begin to
notice the many changes in the world around us that result from
the longer days and warmer temperatures. Of course, the fact that
the crocuses are blooming does not necessarily mean that the time
for snow has passed. Seasonal patterns overlap and the timing of
the transition varies from year to year. In most cases, though,
we can be sure that there will be a lot of rain (like today's steady
downfall) followed eventually by beautiful gardens and sweet smells.
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| So it is with
development. At this time of year, we notice the amazing changes
in the children compared with the beginning of the year. At particular
ages, we anticipate certain advances in children's level of independence,
ability to interact with others, fluency of communication, competence
for exploring and understanding the world, capability to control
and use their bodies, and expressiveness via the arts. At the same
time, each child progresses at an individual rate, often faster
in some areas than in others. Also, transitions are typically characterized
by the use of a range of behaviors, varying in level of maturity.
In other words, when a child learns a new skill or reaches a new
level of understanding, it still takes time to master it to the
point of using it consistently, particularly in a group context.
Also, there are often points in development when a child has the
desire to acquire new skills but does not have the foundational
skills to do so yet or when other life circumstances require adjustment
that slows growth for awhile. These are often stormy times, when
frustration creates a flood of negative behavior. Patience and plenty
of opportunities for supported practice typically yields a subsequent
period of rapid growth and satisfying accomplishments.
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These aspects of development are important to consider as we begin the preschool conference month at the Children's School. The goal of each conference is for the teacher(s) and parent(s) to share their observations of the child's recent growth in six key areas: Self-Esteem
& Independence On each conference form, we include a brief list of the anticipated abilities relative to the child's age. This point of reference serves simply as an outline for discussion of each child's individual development. A child may have mastered skills beyond expectation in some areas, while others may just be emerging. Certain abilities may be demonstrated at home but not at school, or vice versa. We may observe a child using some skills on a simple task, but not on a more complex one. While focusing on expressing ideas in writing, for example, a child may ignore the orientation of letters and spatial position on the page. Such mirror writing is a transitional stage and will pass naturally when the child has mastered each of the component skills well enough to combine them effectively. |
| Because so
many factors influence the child's development, in general, and
the demonstration of a particular skill at a particular time, we
tailor the paragraphs following the checklists on the conference
form to the unique aspects of each individual's growth. Teachers
also describe particular situations in which abilities are demonstrated
and share sample projects and/or photographs of characteristic interactions.
Unique approaches to fostering growth may also be developed as teachers
and parents share their perspectives and offer ideas. The conference
is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the ways in which each child
has grown during the year and to anticipate the next steps.
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| The gardeners among you undoubtedly appreciate the care and attention required for nurturing each type of plant in appropriate ways so that its full beauty will emerge, as well as the fact that interesting variety among plants is what yields a beautiful garden. We are privileged to learn with such diverse groups of children and to observe the unique gifts that each of them has to offer. I encourage you to spend some time observing this growth yourself and marveling at the rich diversity among our children. |
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The Children's School, MMC 17, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (412)268-2199 Copyright 1999 Carnegie Mellon University |