An Introduction to Early Childhood Studies

Question: Part One You will need to look at the Part One Resources and use these with other reading and sources to support a 2000 word piece on children starting school:Introduction (150 words): Introduce the main points and topics that your piece will cover, so that the reader knowswhat to expect from your assignment and you have set the scene for them. What is your argument about why children starting school is an important issue? Part Two A critical reflection on the topic that you have chosen. Use the 5 sources you have identified in Part Two A as a basis, and supplement with other reading and literature. Answer: Introduction Families are an important source for children by making them feel secure so that the child learns by eliminating any anxiety of life. For children excluding home school is an important place for enriching their lives (Anning et al., 2004). This experience provides an insight on social, occupational future and academic future of child. So, a child needs to be handled carefully by encouraging and preparing them for the school. In the above context, starting school is an exciting activity for both parents and children but at the same time it could be daunting too. Children in the starting school is the biggest issue for the as this transition in childs life is the most remembered in their life. On the basis of this a childs love for education it is inculcated for making most of the use of it the most. The most crucial is to provide emotional support and engaging with teachers for their betterment. Reflections The article by Action for children establish the fact that parents are stumping upon the issue that their children should be developed till age 5 before the school starts. When the survey was conducted for 1000 parents it was found that 63% parents seemed to be worried if their children were behind in receiving education before their peers (Actionforchildren, 2016). This would impact them later in future in finding suitable job themselves and performing well in education. The second article from BBC News focuses on the issue of summer born children by arguing on the fact that should their education is delayed. The impact is upon receiving education as these babies cannot cope up with class as they born in summer months. This is hampering their education level as they do not understand it from the starting level. This means low level of job attainment as education is the base so, the parents have requested to forward the admission procedure next year. The third article title from Research Briefings on summer born children emphasis upon Special Education Needs (SEN) for development when compared to normal age group (Long, 2016). The decision making for educating the child should be rightly taken to send them till age of five or not. The attainment level of each child is different so the parents have to understand their needs. This article is about leaving age for children outside the normal age and will receive education till they are 16 years of age. The fourth resource is starting school age in European countries that states that in England the age is staring right from their fifth birthday. This can be in January, September or April and if they reach their age in between September to March they need to attend reception class. This effect the children development as the child needs to be fully developed for attaining it. The fifth resource is by NHS is about the impact of first day schooling on parents and children as it can be both tiring and tough (Nhs, 2015). The first day might make the child quite frightening as it is a complete change in environment. Hence, the parents must make sure to make adjustment accordingly by talking with the teachers beforehand as this affects that parents are there to support them. The feelings have to be understood in first weeks by communicating and make sure that the teachers are completely engaged. The sixth resource is from University of Cambridge that emphasis on the concept of changing the education age for formal learning in schools. In existing mode the present age is 4 years for attaining the literacy level so this needs to be extended. In comparison to New Zealand education system the literacy level is starting from the age between 5 to 7 years. This change is made so that it does not impact reading development skills in humans for betterment of future. The last piece of writing poor students should be admitted in school from the age of two by BBC News puts light on accessibility issue. This would impact positively as when the teachers are trained they would be able to provide support to children (Richardson, 2015). Their needs are not being addressed by working on the basics of education system i.e. primary level. The children who are disadvantaged are being offered help by government that would reduce the inequality by making each child educated. Factors Impacting Children Starting School When children start schooling various factors affect them in the first level and they are: Political Factors The early childhood education helps in getting the jobs before the time as the children will pass out from the school at earliest. This helps the employer as individuals get into work faster so that they into workforce at the earliest (Anning et al., 2004). As in England fifth birthday is admission age that is affecting the education system as it is lowest in comparison to other countries as they are entering the school at the age of six. The talk is about changing the education system by one year as in September cut off the children are forced or they are younger while still are other is reception. Similarly, it is good for summer born children as their age is delayed as for children born between 1 April and 31 August is allowed for reception year (Weale, 2015). This is done to provide equal opportunity for educating children by working on child interest. Historical Factors The early years education in historical perspective states that in 18th century it was based upon philanthropic and voluntary. The education system was not structured and no formal training was provided to children. With the Education Act 1870 change cropped in elementary schools till 5 years of age and it was compulsory for individuals aged between 5-13 years. As the years pass five women were admitted to Board of Education for making investigation on curriculum and admission related to infants. The education was changed in 1972 with White Paper framework for expanding the education system (Kwon, 2002). The paper compromised that school providing nursery education for 3 to 4 year olds belongs to the Foundation stage till 6 year old. Ideological factors The education level of parents should be as per the standard set so that they could train their children well. The attitude of the parents has to be positive for making their child entering the school and working on the safety. In relation to riding, playground for performing the work assignment and for disabled children the services provided has to be as per the need. Child Development Good wellbeing and health is an essential component in child development that helps in being gaining the education faster (Scott and Ward, 2005). In child development parent act as an important role model as the relationship between them in early years affect development process. This not only involves parents but also with other professional like teachers in school. It affects the child emotional outcome by making it strong in varied practices in aspects of intellectual, social, physical health and educational perspective. Parenting is also a big factor as the style for engaging them should develop their behavioral and cognitive attributes. The rules implied on child should be warmth and cohesiveness by having a consistency in approach by being clear. The external factor is the environment that should be under control of parents as it affects the child character by developing it significantly (Henry, 2005). Parents act as the first guidance and school is second here they feel should feel safe and secure. The children should be free of bullying as it impacts their academic performance that is the strongest factor affecting wellbeing. The social and physical environment that a child spends affects their mental and physical health that has negative effect on education attainment. With this sleep is a psychological factor that develops brain as putting the child in bed following proper routine is must by having a systematic routine. For a child in early years nutrition is must as teaching them healthy eating habits by eating variety of foods in their diet by their parents (Sanders and Kirby, 2014). On the other hand, theories for children starting school are various and some of them are: Social Constructivism The theory was developed by Vygotsky by supporting children culturally and with the inter-psychological theory for developing it effectively. The focus is on social interaction with children with 5 years of age. Cognitive Theory This learning is fostering from the community by imitating it as the interaction between peers and teachers. Behaviorism Theory The imitation of actors and actress shown in films is having behavior change by working as per the environment by reinforcement tool. In early education using dialogues, chanting key phrases and taking right measures by incorporating behavior for making them excel in both personal and academically (Henry, 2005). Present Practice and Policy For every individual policies and programmes should be made same applies for children starting their school. This will impact their education attainment so the various practices underpinning it are given below: Families and Fast Together FAST is a programme that brings together teachers, children and parents in a community by supporting the young to fulfill their dreams in life and school. This connection is stronger as the parents with communities and schools to make sure that they perform best in their school. National Child Measurement Programme This framework is established by UK government on child obesity under the Department of Health (DH) and Public Health England (PHE) in 2006 (Noo, 2016). The children in between 4-6 years of age i.e.in reception have to measure their weight and height by informing it to local services. It helps in engaging them in undertaking active and healthy lifestyle. Free Early Years Education This policy is applicable for 3-4 years old in which annually the child receives 570 hours of free education and in a week it comes to around 15 hours. This means 38 weeks/year and in some cases for 2 years old as well. This 2 year old will receive free education when anyone of the following is undertaken: Universal credit Support and Employment Allowance (ESA) Support income (Gov, 2016) Guarantee towards State Pension Credit Having an yearly income under 16,190 and having tax credits Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY) This body is about making the child ready for their school by supporting the family with information by reassurance and supporting them. The survey conducted by PACEY states that 48% of parents are anxious about starting school and 71% parents are starting school in September. It is both for parents as this transition is big in their life that is exciting and daunting as well. Similarly, for childcares professional carer as the responsibility being preparing the child in their first weeks and creating the base for foundation base (Pacey, 2015). Future Practice and Policy Right to education is the basic requirement of all children. The participation of all students in schooling is essential for inclusive education. Restructuring the culture, practices and policies in schools are ensured by inclusive education. The main purpose of implementing inclusive education in school is determining enhanced response to the diversity of students in their locality. In order to enable inclusive practices there are certain conditions required to enable inclusion like, consciousness on the part of the parent regarding the childrens right to education. Another mentionable required condition is, with the help of childrens and parents view informs the school management. From a marginalized group recruitment of the teacher is another required condition (eenet, 2008). In terms of progressing through school not preventing children with examinations, fees or other barriers are also essential for inclusion. In order to ensure that the children can attend the school instead of working meting the basic needs of the family plays crucial role in inclusive practices. If schools are near the childrens home, it becomes easy for them to access it and they remain physically safe this in turn increases the level of inclusion. On the part of the children and adults it is essential to not discriminate against those who are different in order establish effective imple mentation of inclusive practices (eenet, 2008). Hence, if the above conditions are followed effectively then inclusive practices can be efficaciously formulated and executed. Alternatively, the barriers associated with children when they will start their school are varied in nature. This can be a hindrance when parents are disabled by having difficulty in communicating and effective relationship building. This creates communication barrier and development of negative attitude in children. Similarly, the socio-economic status of parents may act as a barrier by not being able to afford childcare, availability and accessibility of work is not compatible with caring responsibilities and lack of confidence, qualification and experience. For instance when a child is unable to cope up with course curriculum he will perform poor work and behavior too (Mottely and Randall, 2009). Conclusion From the above discussion it can be said that children at their starting school need the right to be educated. The UK government is making an attempt to provide the early years education to all children so that no one is left behind. Children are flexible and adaptable as what they are taught by parents and teachers they perform the same work. When children are starting school they should be motivated and encouraged by providing emotional support as it is the basis of education in long term. A crucial source is communicating with the child for understanding their feelings and emotions and working accordingly (Persky and Golubchick, 2004). In child development ideological, historical and political factors governs it with various programmes and policy underpinning the facts. For their development physical and mental health both is equally important for their growth by involving them in physical activity too. Hence, children starting school is important for their whole life for joining the workforce early in job. Part 1Reference List Actionforchildren.org.uk. (2016). Three in five UK parents worry their children are not ready to start school | Action for Children. [online] Available at: https://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/news-and-blogs/whats-new/2016/april/three-in-five-uk-parents-worry-their-children-are-not-ready-to-start-school/ [Accessed 16 Aug. 2016]. Anning, A., Cullen, J. and Fleer, M. (2004). Early childhood education. London: SAGE. eenet.org.uk. (2008). Making Schools Inclusive. [online] Available at: https://www.eenet.org.uk/resources/docs/Making%20schools%20inclusive%20SCUK.pdf [Accessed 17 Aug. 2016]. Gov.uk. (2016). Help paying for childcare - GOV.UK. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/free-childcare-and-education-for-2-to-4-year-olds [Accessed 17 Aug. 2016]. Henry, N. (2005). Early childhood education. 3rd ed. Chicago: Univ. of Chicago Press. Kwon, Y. (2002). Changing Curriculum for Early Childhood Education in England. Early Childhood Research and Practice, [online] 4(2). Available at: https://ecrp.uiuc.edu/v4n2/kwon.html [Accessed 16 Aug. 2016]. Long, R. (2016). Summer-born children: starting school. House of Commons Library. [online] Available at: https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-7272/CBP-7272.pdf [Accessed 16 Aug. 2016]. Mottely, J. and Randall, A. (2009). Early education. New York: Nova Science Publishers. Nhs.uk. (2015). Your child's first day at school - Pregnancy and baby guide - NHS Choices. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/Pages/starting-school.aspx [Accessed 16 Aug. 2016]. Noo.org.uk. (2016). National Child Measurement Programme :: Public Health England Obesity Knowledge and Intelligence team. [online] Available at: https://www.noo.org.uk/NCMP [Accessed 17 Aug. 2016]. Pacey.org.uk. (2015). Being school-ready. [online] Available at: https://www.pacey.org.uk/working-in-childcare/spotlight-on/being-school-ready/ [Accessed 17 Aug. 2016]. Persky, B. and Golubchick, L. (2004). Early childhood education. 3rd ed. Lanham: University Press of America. Richardson, H. (2015). Poorest pupils 'should start school aged two'. BBC News. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/education-33476052 [Accessed 16 Aug. 2016]. Sanders, M. and Kirby, J. (2014). A Public-Health Approach to Improving Parenting and Promoting Children's Well-Being. Child Dev Perspect, 8(4), pp.250-257. Scott, J. and Ward, H. (2005). Safeguarding and promoting the well being of children, families, and their communities. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Weale, S. (2015). Parents of summer-born children get right to delay start of school. The Guardian. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/sep/08/parents-of-summer-born-children-get-right-to-delay-start-of-school [Accessed 16 Aug. 2016]. Part Two The chosen for this part of the assignment is Technology. Part Two A The references that will be referred to discuss the topic are: Hsin, C., Li, M. and Tsai, C. (2014).The Influence of Young Childrens Use of Technology on Their Learning: A Review. 1st ed. [ebook] Available at: https://www.ifets.info/journals/17_4/6.pdf [Accessed 16 Aug. 2016]. Shields, M. and Behrman, R. (2013).The Future of Children. [online] Futureofchildren.org. Available at: https://www.futureofchildren.org/publications/journals/article/index.xml?journalid=45articleid=200sectionid=1303 [Accessed 16 Aug. 2016]. Walters, J. (2015).Tablets and smartphones may affect social and emotional development, scientists speculate. [online] the Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/feb/01/toddler-brains-research-smartphones-damage-social-development [Accessed 16 Aug. 2016]. Roxby, P. (2013).Does technology hinder or help toddlers' learning? - BBC News. [online] BBC News. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/health-22219881 [Accessed 16 Aug. 2016]. Curtis, S. (2013).How technology is changing childhood. [online] Telegraph.co.uk. Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/10529785/How-technology-is-changing-childhood.html [Accessed 16 Aug. 2016]. Part Two B Introduction The twenty first century has witnessed number of developments in terms of technological enhancement. These technological enhancements have not only affected the mode of working, communication and impacted every strata of the society but it has largely impacted the growth and development of children as well. There has been a regular and constant argument regarding the impact of such developments on the growth of the children. On one side of the scenario, as the children are exposed to new technologies they can avail increased scope of educating themselves, expressing themselves effectively and increases their creativity. But on the other side, there are number of risks associated with such developed technologies to which also the children gets exposed simultaneously, due to the exposure to these technological enhancement. Hence the main aspect of this part of discussion is to examine whether the technological developments impacts the child development negatively or positively. Reflection According to the BBC article- Does technology hinder or help toddlers learning? Technologies like smart phones, tablet or computers acts as contributing factor to learning due to its screen technology, which help the children in interacting effectively and have enhanced experience. In order to establish the fact the article provides the research from the University of Wisconsin that in the Society for Research in Child Development meeting highlighted upon the fact that among children aged between two to three effective response can be found to video screen as compared to those video screen that provided them with no opportunity of interaction (Roxby, 2013). But a complete opposite side of the argument has also been presented in the article according to which such habits if not curbed can result in depression or addiction. It has been further stated in the article that, any children born at the present time, by the time they attain the age of seven will spent a full year to screens. T his clearly reflects the severity of the situation. But the article further provides the readers with the fact that virtual space helps the children in developing confidence which clearly highlights upon the benefits of such developments. With the help of telegraph article- How Technology is changing childhood, the readers can have a clear idea of the extent to which children are exposed to these enhanced technologies. It can be seen from the fact the article presented that in the year 2013; approximately 3 billion on technological gifts were spent by children collectively. This clearly reflects the increased exposure of the children to the developed technologies (Curtis, 2013). Other than that, the article also discusses the risks to which the children gets exposed to due to continuous exposure to technologies like affecting the brain development of the children, adverse impact on reflective thinking and originality. Like the article Does technology hinder or help toddlers learning?, the article Tablets and Smartphone may affect social and emotional development, scientists speculate also highlights upon the positive and negative impact of technology development on children. It states that the exposure to technological development may have damaging impact on socio-emotional development of children. But the positive impact of exposure to mobile devices is development of early literacy skills, enhanced academic engagement. Similarly the journal piece, Children and Computer Technology highlights upon the benefits and risks associated with increased exposure to such technologies and ways of curbing the negative impact (Shields and Behrman, 2013). As an instance the article states that the usage of the technologies has been on constant rise due to which issues like obesity rises. In order to curb the impact the piece suggests limited exposure to it and opting for alternative activities like sports. According to the article How Technology is Changing the way Children Think and Focus, the exposure to technologies have both positive and negative impact. It states that exposure to technologies impacts the memory and educational performance adversely (Curtis, 2013). But at the same time it increases the attention ability and reaction times. Hence on the basis of the discussion it can be stated that the topic i.e. impact of technology on child development as exposure to technology impacts the growth of the children significantly, which makes it essential to discussion upon the topic and determine its impact. The above mentioned articles helped in collecting information of the probable impacts of exposure to technologies on the basis of which it could be determined whether exposing children to technologies have positive or negative impact on child development. Effective practice, services and provision As already stated in the article does technology hinder or help toddlers learning? that as a result of exposure to technology with screen touch facility the children can learn effectively along with provide them with better experience as a result of more interaction. The response of the children also gets developed as a result of this (Roxby, 2013). The creativity of the children also gets developed due to the exposure to these technologies according to the article How technology is changing childhood. The article further states that exposure to technologies help the children to develop an identity. With the help of number of educational apps and services provided by these technologies their maths and logic gets boosted due to the appealing package. The article Tablets and smartphones may affect social and emotional development, scientists speculate also supports this fact and states that for children use of devices are seen to have positive impact on aspects like literacy skills, ac ademic engagement particularly for patients with autism. However, the technologies can be made impactful by incorporating certain aspects in its usage. It can be noticed that the usage of technology has been on constant rise. In order to deal with it, the extent to which the children will be exposed needs to be limited (Hutchby and Moran-Ellis, 2006). As a result of constant exposure there have been number of health implications can be noticed on the health condition of the children like obesity. In order to deal with it the children should be promoted to participate in alternative activities like sports and imaginative play according to the journal piece Children and Computer Technology. Internet technology is full of elements for users of all age. As a result of which children may be exposed to elements that are not appropriate as for their age like violent videos. For this reason, if their activities are supervised and only those content are allowed to access that are needed by them then they will be exposed to elements that will help i n their development. Playing games is one of the common activities that children perform with the help of these technologies. Some of the games to which children are exposed to are seen to have educational values like SimCity. However there are games that have violent elements which makes them aggressive. In order to control the exposure of the children to such violent elements it is essential on the part parents to have effective understanding of the rating with the help of inclusion of the rating in all advertising and product packaging. Other than that abiding by policies like Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act helps in preventing information collection from children under the age of 13 without parental permission thus protecting them from varied abuse. Increased effort on the part of digital media and software industries would help in promoting exposing to the children to required technologies that would contribute in their overall development (Shields and Behrman, 2013). M edia and technology literacy should be provided to parents, teachers so that they can guide the children effectively. Conclusion From the above made discussion it can be noticed that there are number of positive and negative impact of technologies on the growth and development of the children. In the above made discussion it has stated that continuous exposure to technologies adversely impacts the memory of children, the socio-emotional development, the reflective thinking along with adversely impacts the health condition of children like obesity. Hence in order to deal with it, ways like supervising the activities, encouraging for alternative activities like sports should be encouraged that would help in development of the situation. The above mentioned adverse affects cannot take away the fact that it has number of positive impacts like increases the ability of learning; the children are engaged to it in an increased level, their response to the relevant process also develops along with helping them in expressing themselves effectively. Part 2B Reference List Curtis, S. (2013). How technology is changing childhood. [online] Telegraph.co.uk. Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/10529785/How-technology-is-changing-childhood.html [Accessed 16 Aug. 2016]. Hsin, C., Li, M. and Tsai, C. (2014). The Influence of Young Childrens Use of Technology on Their Learning: A Review. 1st ed. [ebook] Available at: https://www.ifets.info/journals/17_4/6.pdf [Accessed 16 Aug. 2016]. Hutchby, I. and Moran-Ellis, J. (2006). Children, technology, and culture. 6th ed. London: Routledge/Falmer. Roxby, P. (2013). Does technology hinder or help toddlers' learning? - BBC News. [online] BBC News. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/health-22219881 [Accessed 16 Aug. 2016]. Shields, M. and Behrman, R. (2013). The Future of Children. [online] Futureofchildren.org. Available at: https://www.futureofchildren.org/publications/journals/article/index.xml?journalid=45articleid=200sectionid=1303 [Accessed 16 Aug. 2016]. Walters, J. (2015). Tablets and smartphones may affect social and emotional development, scientists speculate. [online] the Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/feb/01/toddler-brains-research-smartphones-damage-social-development [Accessed 16 Aug. 2016].