Understand physical development of children
Table of Contents
Case Study
Marcia is a student in a playgroup with children aged 3-5 years old. She is very concerned because there are two members of staff who prepare fantastic physical development opportunities for children, quite often in the form of exciting and challenging assault courses. Marcia is in awe of their abilities in creating these opportunities from ‘stuff’ around the playgroup: blankets, chairs, boxes, tunnels and so on.Her concern is that the two members of staff prepare the activity, set the children free and then sit and chat whilst the children climb and roll around. Marcia is learning about the importance of observation and feedback to parents in her course, and she feels this is a greatly missed opportunity. She is worried that the children may not be having their abilities encouraged or extended, and that the two staff would be unable to provide any feedback to the parents other than that they had a lovely time and enjoyed the assault course.
- Is it necessary to be watching all the time?
- Is it necessary to carry out direct observations?
- Is it necessary to give parents feedback?
- What benefit would there be in actively participating with the children?
- What should Marcia do now?
It is rare that there is just one way to respond to a scenario or situation, so do not consider that the response you have chosen to this scenario will be judged as right or wrong. Share your scenario with a work colleague and ask them to tell you if they think you have responded appropriately. Ask them to challenge your response if necessary. You do not need to submit this task for assessment unless asked to do so by your tutor.