There are multiple influences on early development and learning. Knowing the theories is not enough for teachers; they need to have a deep understanding of how to apply them to the classroom and in the home.
Imagine you are an early childhood educator, and your director has asked you to give a 12-15 slide digital presentation to your students’ families on child development theories. After giving this presentation, families should have a better understanding of their child’s development and ways to support their learning throughout early childhood.
Be sure your presentation addresses the following:
- The importance of understanding cognitive, behavioral, and social development theories for the early childhood classroom and their connections to learning. Include at least one theorist to support each theory.
- Discuss at least one strategy per theory type to implement the theory in your classroom environment in order to create a healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging learning environment for young children. Explain how this directly connects to motivation.
- Provide at least one strategy per theory type for families to consider and implement in the home that reflects the theory.