Child Development Theorists

1. Child DevelopmentTheorists

2. John Comenius • Wrote first picture book for children • Czech educator 1658 • Stressed learning by doing • Wrote books with illustration • Put emphasis on education of the senses • Began social reform of education

3. John Locke • 1600’s English philosopher • Believed child’s mind is a clean slate • Experiences with the parents, friends, and school all have a significant effect on the child’s development

4. Jean Jacques Rousseau • Philosopher from 1712 – 1778 • Introduced “free play” for child to choose the activity they prefer • Believed school should be less restrained and more flexible

5. Johann Pestalolozzi • Swiss philosopher in 1746 • Presented the idea of “caring” for as well as educating the child • Stressed “integrated curriculum” for the whole child: head, heart, and hands

6. Friedrich Froebel • Father of kindergarten 1836 • Kindergarten is “children’s garden” • Stressed importance of developing self esteem and self confidence from 2-6 yrs.

7. Maria Montessori • First female physician in Italy – 1870 • Worked with poor and retarded children • Believed education begins at birth and that the early years are the most important Introduced the “prepared environment” with child sized tables and chairs Taught with tactile materials to stimulate the senses and mind

8. John Dewey • Introduced the “progressive movement “ in the 1800’s • Stressed individual needs and differences • Taught that children learn best when motivated and interested • Felt rote memory is useless for learning • Children need direct contact with materials • Stress physical, social, emotional and intellectual needs of children

9. Dr. Benjamin Spock • Wrote Baby and Child Care 1940-1950’s • Preached the common sense approach to childrearing • Told parents to “childproof” the home and allow children to get out of playpen to explore the home environment safely • Used more permissiveness with children

10. Berry Brazelton • Present day famous pediatrician • Stresses setting limits for children • Teaches importance of listening to children • Believes in observing child to learn what they need

11. Margaret and Rachel McMillan • Began a crusade for slum children in England in 1910 • Opened a “nurture school” for children under 5 years of age • Taught importance of fresh air, sleep and bathing for children’s health • Successful in keeping children healthy • Nursery school program was dedicated to good nutrition and healthy standards

12. Susan Isaacs • Educator who published The Nursery Years • Emphasized the child’s point of view in teaching children • Taught that play is a child’s work

13. Loris Malaguzzi • Founder of early education in Reggio Emilia Italy • Created a school that welcomed families and communities to take part in education • Began the PTA and PTO in schools

14. Sigmund Freud • Medical doctor who developed a psychoanalytic theory of sexuality: • Oral stage – birth to two – emphasis on mouth: sucking, biting, eating, teething • Anal stage - two to three – toilet training • Phallic – three to six – genitals, sex role identification and conscience development • Latency – six to twelve – sexual forces are dormant. Energy is on school and sports • Genital – twelve to eighteen – genital stimulation and satisfaction from relationships

15. Jean Piaget • Child development research theorist • Sensorimotor stage: birth to two – children perceive the world through movement and senses. They are very egocentric and cannot see the world from other’s view. • Preoperational stage: two to seven – language skills develop and they use symbolic play. They are only aware of their own point of view. They judge size by appearance only. • Concrete operational stage: seven to twelve – Child can think logically but only with concrete aids. They can understand other’s point of view. • Formal operations stage: twelve to adult – Abstract reasoning develops. They can understand actions have consequences. They can solve a problem in their mind.

16. Abraham Maslow • Studied healthy and established a self-actualization theory based on needs. Fulfillment Perfection Justice Self Sufficiency Goodness Individuality Health Completion Sense of meaning Richness Integrity Self Esteem: Respect by others Love and sense of belonging Safety and Security Physical Needs: Air water food shelter Clothing

17. Arnold Gesell • Physician in the 1950’s • Established norms for physical motor growth and behaviors which accompany each age • Study referred to as Ages and Stages Examples: 6 months – sit alone 7 – 8 months - crawling 12 months - walking

18. Erik Erickson • Psychoanalyst who stated life is a series of stages with each one growing from the previous ones. • Stage 1: Newborn – Trust vs. Mistrust • Stage 2: Toddler – Autonomy vs. Doubt • Stage 3: Childhood – Initiative vs. Guilt • Stage 4: School – Industry vs. Inferiority • Stage 5: Adolescence – Search for identity • vs. inferiority • Stage 6: Young Adult – Intimacy (love, friends) vs. Isolation ( Loneliness) • Stage 7: Grown ups – Generativity (caring for next • generation) vs. Stagnation • Stage 8: Old Age – Integrity vs. Despair • Erickson felt that people face these basic crisis situations from birth to old age. The conflict is part of the life process. Success gives strength to face each new stage in life.