Assignment:
This semester you have had the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding about how the family and community influence young children's development. For your final assignment you will write a 2 to 4 page type written paper that follows the format below and addresses the following prompts:
1. Socialization
Using yourself as a model describe how your family, school and community worked together with other agents of socialization to lead you to the person you are today. Explain and back up your reasoning using clear examples and text or article quotes from modules 1 and 2.
(agents of socialization: Media, neighborhood, economic status, religious affiliation, schools, peers, family and work)
2. During the semester you have acquired new information, new concepts and new ideas about young children and families. Please choose two of the following topics we have explored this semester:
- Ecological systems theory
- Attachment
- Autonomy
- Initiative
- The Commercialization of Childhood(film)
- Self Esteem
- Gender
- Social influences
- Family goals, values and culture
- Stress and success in family life
- Advocacy for families and the ECE field
- Social and emotional development: Feelings and guidance
- Community resources and networks
• For EACH topic write one-two paragraphs that describe the concept or idea and why you think it is important to the lives of children and families. Make sure your description is detailed, include what the information, concept, or idea is and why it stands out as important to you. Make sure to connect directly to your text for some of your reasoning and cite appropriately (each topic should be separate detailed paragraphs-labeled by topic).
3. Write one-two paragraphs about how you might use or are using the knowledge you have gained this semester in your personal life and in your future or present career? (be specific, include details and examples)
4. Write a minimum of one paragraph that describes what have you learned about yourself as a student this semester (your: study habits, basic skills, organization, time management, interest in the field, talents, etc.) and what will you do to improve upon your growth areas and maintain your strengths?
Readings:
Child, Family, and Community-Family-Centered Early Care and Education
By Janet Gonzalez-Mena