Early Childhood Observations

Question: Visit a playground and watch several children between 2-6 years of age. Jot down descriptions of their activities and movements, paying special attention to differences between younger and older children.nbReferencessp; You will see that an explosion of new motor skills occurs in early childhood, each of which builds on the simpler movement patterns of toddlerhood. Then evaluate the playground in terms of appropriateness for different ages. Are there safe pieces of playground equipment for preschoolers? Are ladder rungs close enough together to allow preschoolers access? Are the widths of the monkey bars and jungle gym bars small enough for preschooler hands? What is the surface of the play area made out of? Is it safe, could it be improved? Answer: Observation on running Watching a child age of 2 years while he was playing, the following observations were made: he suddenly took a toy in his hands and started running. He was generally taking circles rather than running straight (Dorman Dorman, 2006). He was holding that toy in both of his hands and was continually running in circles enjoying the toy and the run simultaneously. When a 4 year old boy asked to catch a ball so that observations on his running skills can be made. He was using both of his hands driving out all the force, took a ball and bounced it on the ground. His pattern of running was like, right arm and left leg forward and left arm and right leg back. A boy of 6 year old was more controlled and balanced while he was running. He was more confident and more focused towards his goal (Sambell, 2010). 2 Years Old 4 Years Old 6 Years Old Hands movement Not controlled Slightly controlled More controlled Body language Casual Hopping Balanced Expressions Smiling Serious Concentrated Focus No focus A less focused More Focused The basic difference in the body movements between the kids were of balancing techniques and their method of running. Observation on catching When a ball had been thrown at a girl of 2 years old, she made certain movements. She was completely unable to catch, she was following the movement of the ball, and she picked it up and started bouncing the ball. She was more comfortable with soft and spongy balls. A boy of 3 years, he was also unable to catch when a ball had been thrown at him, but he tried and was concentrated when the ball was coming to him. He kicked the ball when it fell down the ground and also tried to throw it overhand (Stipek Byler, 2004). He was comfortable with a squishy ball, but a size smaller than the beach ball. A 4 year old child hopped, skipped and jumped forward towards the ball and tramped the ball and balanced on one foot for 10 seconds. He seemed to be most comfortable in catching a soccer ball of size 3. A 5 year old boy was more focused on the ball while it was coming to him. He used both of his hands for catching and was successful in his task. He wrapped the ball around both of his hands and cradled it to his chest. He was comfortable with the size of a beach ball and was enjoying the game ("WITHDRAWN: Early Childhood Research Quarterly", 2002). 2 Years old 3 Years old 4 Years old 5 Years old Muscle movement Slight Struggling with his hands Jumping and tramping the ball Aimed high using both his hands Eye coordination Distracted Constant Trying to focus Focused References Dorman, H., Dorman, C. (2006). The social toddler: Promoting positive behavior. Infant Observation, 9(1), 95-97. https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13698030600593963 Sambell, K. (2010). Studying Early Childhood: Part 3: Visits, observations, placements and dissertations. Nursery World, 2010(11). https://dx.doi.org/10.12968/nuwa.2010.23.11.1095475 Stipek, D., Byler, P. (2004). The early childhood classroom observation measure. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 19(3), 375-397. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecresq.2004.07.007 WITHDRAWN: Early Childhood Research Quarterly. (2002). Early Childhood Research Quarterly. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0885-2006(02)00181-3