Toys and development from theory to research

Toys and development from theory to research The first twelve months of a childs life are crucial for physical and cognitive development. At six months an infant should be able to reach for and grasp objects so that during months 6-12 they learn to transfer objects from one hand to the other, grasp a spoon across their palm, can sit without support, begin to crawl, pull themselves up and walk with assistance, and may begin to walk without assistance. These process of these developments are explained in cognitive theories. One of the most influential cognitive theorists of development is Jean Piaget (1896-1980). Piaget proposed that a child is born with a repertoire of sensory and motor schemes, such as looking, tasting, touching, hearing and reaching (Boyd Bee, 2009). Through the process of assimilation, accommodation, and equilibration, a childs schemes evolve into more complex mental schemes. Piaget proposed that this happens through the course of four stages: sensorimotor stage, pre-operational stage, concrete operational stage, and formal operational stage. It is the sensorimotor stage that concerns the development of schemes in an infant. During the sensorimotor stage, a baby understands the world through its senses and motor actions. In relation to the development of an infant from 6-12 months are Piagets substages of secondary circular reactions, and coordination of secondary schemes. Secondary circular reactions, which are noticeable around six months are an infants repetitive actions oriented around external objects. Also, at this stage, infants may show some signs of imitation, and an understanding of object concept (understanding of the nature of objects and how they behave) and object permanence (that objects continue to exist when they are out of sight) (Boyd Bee, 2009). At around 8 months of age, an infant reaches the fourth substage of Piagets sensorimotor stage the coordination of secondary schemes. In this stage, an infant begins to show an understanding for causal connections, which leads to means-end behaviour, purposeful behaviour carried out in pursuit of a specific goal. An infant can now combine schemes, and can transfer information from one sense to another (cross-modal perception). Another cognitive theory is that of Vygotskys sociocultural theory, which asserts that complex forms of thinking have their origins in social interaction rather than in an individuals private explorations (book). Vygotsky believed that a childs learning of new cognitive skills is guided by an adult (or a more skilled child/sibling) through scaffolding a structured learning experience which is most beneficial when adapted to the childs zone of proximal development (developmental level). Vygotsky also emphasizes the importance of active exploration, in particular, assisted discovery. Recommended Toys Little Bird Told Me Softly Snail Snuggle-time Play-mat and Gym This colourful, multi-textural play-mat contributes to the secondary circular reaction stage of Piagets sensorimotor stage. The mat is designed to develop fine motor skills with the help of its detachable rattle toys and teething rings. Features such as its musical antennae and baby safe mirror are included to help develop sensory schemes. The pillow, which comes with the play-mat, can help an infant to develop motor skills as it can be used as a chest support for tummy play, which can also encourage the development of gross motor skills such as rolling over, and crawling. This toy is also beneficial as it can assist infants in the coordination of secondary schemes, for example, the means-end behaviour of pressing the antennae to hear some music. This toy is also ideal for a 6 month old infant to learn through assisted discovery, as Vygotsky suggested. VTech Singing Nursery Rhyme Book This interactive book, which is full of rhymes and flashing lights, along with hide and seek functional features, of different colours and textures, is suitable for an infant of 6 months or older. This book is designed to stimulate the senses and improve hand to eye coordination. While it is an ideal toy to demonstrate Vygotskys assisted discovery with the help of an adult, it is also a toy that can help with Piagets secondary circular reactions and the coordination of such secondary schemes, such as understanding object permanence, and causal connections. This toy is also durable through further stages, as it is can help teach different language sounds, and colours. Fisher Price Rainforest Jumparoo This toy includes a variety of colours, textures, sounds, and moving toys. Not only does it encourage the development of fine motor skills through the use of toys, but it also encourages the development of gross motor skills such as standing, and turning. Jumping movements activate lights and sounds, which stimulate the infants senses, and also cause the movement of the hanging toys which help with the development of Piagets coordination of secondary schemes, e.g. intentional means-end behaviour, and cross-modal perception. This toy is full of features to facilitate Vygotskys assisted discovery, e.g. understanding cause and effect and encouraging hand-eye coordination. Go Go Caterpillar This small moving toy, suitable for 9 months plus, is colourful, and contains colourful and noisy beads within its wheels. It encourages the development of gross motor skills as it pushes the infant to crawl or continue after the toy. The toys also has letters and numbers on it, which through the help of Vygotskys scaffolding, can lead to the learning of different letter sounds. Also the simple process of pressing the toy to make it move encourages the development of Piagets coordination of secondary schemes, such as learning cause and effect through repetition, and developing cross-modal perception. Little Superstar Sing Along Stage This toy (suitable for 6 months and older) encourages singing, dancing, and discovery on a number of levels. It has colourful features, which each make unique noises, including rattles and buttons, and also has a lights display. Along with this is a microphone and instruments which play songs, and there is a built in child friendly mirror. The toy in general motivates expression and movement, and is ideal for assisted discovery, while the use of the instruments and microphone encourage the development of fine motor skills such as hand-eye coordination, and the coordination of schemes such as means-end behaviour. The colours, lights, and mirror function as sensory stimulants, while the toy as a whole helps develop the coordination of schemes, and encourages activity. Conclusion Overall, cognitive development in an infant is highly important. Piaget and Vygotsky both have cognitive theories to explain development, and while they both have limitations, they can both be applied to all of the five toys I have chosen as the best toys for physical and cognitive development of an infant, and in particular an infant between 6 and 12 months. For Piaget, the most important developments between these months are those secondary circular schemes, and the coordination of these schemes, including fine and gross motor skills, through assimilation, accommodation, and equilibration, while Vygotsky suggests that development occurs through social interactions guided through scaffolding, and assisted discovery.

Childhood and Physical Contact Essay

3.4 Explain how practitioners can take steps to protect themselves within their everyday practice in the work setting and on off site visits. Many jobs within children’s workforce require physical contact with children as part of their role. There are also occasions when it is entirely appropriate for other adults to have some physical contact with a child or young person with whom they are working with. However it is crucial that in all circumstances, adults should only touch children or young people in ways which are appropriate to their professionals or agreed roles and responsibilities Practitioners need to be aware that even well intentioned physical contact may be seen as inappropriate by the child, other adults or by anyone to whom this action may be viewed by, also never touch a child in a way which may be considered indecent. Always be prepared to report and explain actions and accept that all physical contact, but understand that physical contact in some circumstances can be easily misinterpreted because of the state of mind of the child or the adult. Be aware of all cultural and religious views about touching and always be sensitive to issues of gender and always encourage children, where possible, to undertake self-care tasks independently e.g. changing and use of the bathroom. As an adult working with children always pre –empt situations that may put you in a vulnerable position and plan to avoid them such as concealed one to one contact with a child or young person. Where possible always leave a record of a planned visit which may have the potential to be problematic e.g. where, when and why and take to follow up any incidents/ accidents or concerning behaviour.

A character study of Mr. Darcy up until the end of Volume Two Essay

Mr. Darcy is not a titled nobleman, but he is one of the wealthiest members of the landed gentry, which is the same legal class that the Bennet family belongs to, even though they have much less money. He owns a very large estate in Derbyshire, called Pemberley, and he has a sister named Georgiana, who is more than ten years younger that he is. Mr. Darcy’s aunt is the very wealthy Lady Catherine de Bourgh and he is betrothed to her daughter, Anne. In the beginning of the novel Mr. Darcy is depicted as â€Å"clever,† but also â€Å"haughty, reserved, and fastidious.† When he first appears at the Meryton assembly with Mr. Bingley, he draws everyone’s attention by his, â€Å"fine, tall person, handsome features, noble mien,† and the fact that he has ten thousand pounds per year. However, only half the evening passes before he is â€Å"discovered to be proud, to be above his company,† and denounced as â€Å"having a most forbidding, disagreeable countenance.† We can see how socially inept Mr. Darcy is from the mere fact that he dances only two dances at the Meryton assembly, one with Mrs. Hurst and one with Miss Bingley, even though there is a shortage of male dance partners. He also refuses to be introduced to any other lady, and flatly refuses to dance with Elizabeth, saying, â€Å"she is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me.† He does not even try to make a good impression, as we see where it says that his manners are â€Å"well-bred,† but â€Å"not inviting.† This shows that he is proud, because he does not care what people think of him, and he does not need to care because he is so rich. I also believe that Mr. Darcy’s lack of social graces shows a hint of laziness, in that he cannot be bothered to take the time or trouble to be agreeable, or make a good reputation for himself. However, Charlotte Lucas remarks, â€Å"One cannot wonder that so very fine a young man, with†¦everything in his favour, should think highly of himself†¦He has a right to be proud.† This assessment of Mr. Darcy, in my opinion, somewhat lessens his guilt, because it represents a perspective on wealth that must have been very common in nineteenth-century Britain. Mr. Darcy’s behaviour is certainly not ideal, but it was probably more acceptable then than it would be today. Mr. Darcy is also a great friend of Mr. Bingley’s, and Jane is told that among his friends he is â€Å"remarkably agreeable.† This would suggest that either he is very proud, or, as he says to Elizabeth, â€Å"I have not the talent which some people possess†¦of conversing easily with those I have never seen.† If he is so reserved because he truly has difficulty in conversing with people that he does not know well, his silence could easily be mistaken for pride, but I believe that it is probably due in part to both. We first see that Mr. Darcy is beginning to be attracted to Elizabeth on a visit to Netherfield, and his discovery of this attraction is described as â€Å"mortifying.† He does not want to be associated with someone with so little money, and yet he finds â€Å"her figure to be light and pleasing,† and her face to be â€Å"rendered uncommonly intelligent by the beautiful expression of her dark eyes.† When Elizabeth refuses to dance with Mr. Darcy, she only succeeds in further piquing his interest in her, as shown where it says, â€Å"her resistance had not injured her with the gentleman.† I suspect, from the way Caroline Bingley is always very arch and flirtatious around him, that he has had women chasing him most of his adult life, because of his wealth. Therefore, he must be intrigued by a woman such as Elizabeth who, for all his money, wants nothing to do with him. We begin to see that there is a stark contrast between Mr. Darcy’s curt statements in answer to Miss Bingley whilst writing to his sister, and the long responses he gives Elizabeth, which match her wit and intelligence. This shows how much he likes challenging and being challenged by her sharp mind. When she stays at Netherfieldd to look after Jane, she is relentlessly sharp in her talks with Mr. Darcy, and he finds himself increasingly â€Å"bewitched† by her, enough so that he begins â€Å"to feel the danger of paying Elizabeth too much attention.† During Elizabeth’s stay at Netherfield, we learn a little more about Mr. Darcy’s character. He likes to read, and has a large library at Pemberley. He must feel at least some affection for his sister because his letters â€Å"are generally long,† and in Miss Bingley’s estimation, â€Å"charming.† By making his letters long and carefully worded he shows that he both cares about Georgiana and takes his responsibility for her seriously. This contradicts Elizabeth’s and our perceptions of him as cold and unfeeling. Also, he states that he writes â€Å"rather slowly,† Miss Bingley comments that he writes evenly and Mr. Bingley says that he â€Å"does not write with ease. He studies too much for words of four syllables.† This implies that Mr. Darcy likes to think things through, even when choosing the right word to write. When Elizabeth is naming Mr. Darcy’s faults in order to laugh at him, she mentions vanity and pride, to which he replies, â€Å"Vanity is a weakness indeed. But†¦pride will be always under good regulation.† This is ironic because, in his case, pride is more a flaw than a good quality. However, he also admits that his â€Å"good opinion once lost is lost for ever.† By his own admission he is resentful, which Elizabeth finds to be true when Mr. Wickham tells her how ‘abominably’ Mr. Darcy treated him. The knowledge of his resentfulness also serves to make us dislike him even more. Mr. Wickham is very useful in giving us an impression of Mr. Darcy, whether true or not. In the first volume of the novel, after Mr. Wickham’s story about Mr. Darcy refusing to acknowledge his father’s wishes, and thus impoverishing Mr. Wickham, we see Mr. Darcy as dishonourable, dishonest and resentful. Our prejudice against him is so strong that we accept anything Mr. Wickham says at face value. Mr. Darcy’s ‘abominable’ treatment of Mr. Wickham is one of the reasons that Elizabeth refuses to accept his proposal; it reinforces her opinion of him and proves that he really is too proud. At the Netherfield ball, when Sir William Lucas hints at a â€Å"certain desirable event† taking place, meaning the expected marriage of Jane and Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy appears very surprised and worried at the thought. He obviously does not want Mr. Bingley to marry beneath himself, and we later learn from Colonel Fitzwilliam that Mr. Darcy is very pleased with himself for â€Å"having lately saved a friend from†¦a most imprudent marriage.† Mr. Darcy has no right to meddle in the romantic affairs of Jane and Mr. Bingley, and to be so determined that he confiscates Jane’s letters to Mr. Bingley is not something to be easily forgiven. What makes us dislike him even more is that when he proposes to Elizabeth he does not feel any remorse for his actions, and even declares, â€Å"I rejoice in my success.† This shows hypocrisy because he separates Jane and Mr. Bingley on financial grounds, which he has no right to do, and then asks Elizabeth to marry him, even though she is in the same situation as Jane. Mr. Darcy’s proposal to Elizabeth is, in itself, filled with pride and is focused on the negative aspects of the match rather than his love for her. His mode of proposal somewhat resembles the condescending airs of Mr. Collins when he proposes. It does not seem to have occurred to him that Elizabeth might refuse him, as we see where it says, â€Å"his countenance expressed real security.† This proves how proud and arrogant he is, because he believes that if she does not marry him for love, she will marry him for money because she will never receive a ‘better’ offer. He even tells Elizabeth that he likes her against his â€Å"will,†¦reason, and†¦character,† which are hurtful remarks and imply that he does not want to love her but cannot help himself. Mr. Darcy is â€Å"wholly unmoved by any feeling of remorse† for having separated Mr. Bingley from Jane and even says, â€Å"I rejoice in my success.† It is obvious from this cold remark that he has little regard for the feelings of others, which is further emphasised when he seemingly does not care about Mr. Wickham’s condition in life. He says, â€Å"Yes, his misfortunes have been great indeed,† which sounds unfeeling, contemptuous and sarcastic. Mr. Darcy seems to feel the need to justify his feelings for her but also to tell her that he does not want to have those feelings. He is certainly honest, but perhaps a little too honest, and not at all tactful, as we see where he says, â€Å"Could you expect me to rejoice in the inferiority of your connections?† He seems to be intent on laying before Elizabeth everything that is not ideal about her family and connections, which is probably not the best way to make her love him. Mr. Darcy’s letter to Elizabeth, however, shows us just how mistaken and prejudiced against him we really are. Firstly, it lists his reasons for separating Jane and Mr. Bingley. He admits that he did not want them to marry, but he did â€Å"not believe her heart was likely to be easily touched.† He did not think that Jane really did love his friend, and although it was not right of him to intervene, he did not believe that there was enough love to outweigh the material disadvantages of marrying Jane. I also believe that, had Jane been more open about her feelings, and had Mr. Bingley perhaps been more persistent and not allowed himself to be manipulated by Mr. Darcy, the situation would not have arisen. We are also very conscious of â€Å"that total want of propriety† so often shown by many members of the Bennet family – it was very obvious at the Netherfield ball, and Mr. Darcy cannot really be blamed for being appalled by it. That sort of behaviour was not acceptable and those who exhibited it were shunned. If Mr. Darcy married Elizabeth, he would have to put up with having them as in-laws. This shows that Mr. Darcy is proud, but one cannot expect him to want to associate with a family who act disgracefully in public. However, it is also very plausible that he is not as proud as we think, because, despite this, he still wants to marry Elizabeth, which is a circumstance that I do not believe was very common back then. Mr. Darcy’s contempt for Mr. Wickham is also wholly justified, and we learn that he was very tolerant and did do his best to carry out his father’s wishes, even though Mr. Wickham was unworthy of such treatment. This proves that he is honourable, and it is he who has been treated unjustly by Mr. Wickham, when he tried to elope with Georgiana. She told Mr. Darcy of the plan, because she could not â€Å"support the idea of grieving and offending a brother whom she almost looked up to as a father.† Georgiana must have a very strong attachment to Mr. Darcy, because otherwise she would not have done this, so he must be a very kind brother. I believe that although Mr. Darcy is portrayed as proud, critical, arrogant, brutally honest, and may not have the conversational skills that some people do, we are too prejudiced at the beginning of the novel to see his good qualities beneath all of his pride. The letter to Elizabeth provides us with valuable insights into Mr. Darcy’s mind and personality. When we see the letter we realise that most of his actions were justified, and despite his social ineptitude and the occasional error in judgement, he is altogether a good man.

Symbolism in The Catcher In The Rye - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 3 Words: 833 Downloads: 3 Date added: 2019/05/23 Category Literature Essay Level High school Tags: Catcher in The Rye Essay Did you like this example? It is proven that the environment that one grows up in can alter the person forever. J.D. Salingers novel, The Catcher In The Rye is based in the 1940s. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Symbolism in The Catcher In The Rye" essay for you Create order The novel is narrated by Holden Caulfield and follows his journey after failing his school Pencey Prep. The novel centers around Holden, and his transition from childhood to adulthood. Salinger writes using abundant amounts of symbolism throughout the novel to convey the emotions of Holden. The three symbols that are most significant to the story are the red hunting hat, Alliers baseball mitt, and the Museum of Natural History. The red hunting hat resembles Holdens insecurities, itrs bright red color appeals to Holdens desire to be distinct, when he wears it he becomes confident. CD Even though Holden really got a bang out of the hat (Salinger 27), he is embarrassed and lacks the confidence to wear it in public. Holden takes the hat off in the train, at the bar, and also in the hotel lobby. The hat demonstrates his discreteness and who he wishes to be. He wears the hat whenever he wants to be different and deviant from the people in the vicinity of him. Phoebe does what she knows will make Holden happy what she did it damm near killed me she reached in my pocket took out my hat and put it on my head (Salinger 212). This reveals that Phoebe understands the impact the hat has on Holden and wants Holden to be happy. Holdenrs red hat is also tied to Alliers red hair. Holden seems to find comfort in the hat since it makes him feel like Allie is still alive and with him while he wears it. Allie had an exception al personality according to Holden earlier in the novel and Holden uses the hat to reassure himself when he feels morose. While the red hunting hat gives Holden confidence as well as something to differentiate himself from others, Allies baseball glove gives Holden a sense of hope. Alliers baseball glove is covered in poetry written in green ink, it acts as a periapt for Holden. The glove does a great job at representing Holdenrs love for his deceased brother, Allie, as well as his distinctiveness. Allie covered his left-handed glove in poems so he could entertain himself during slow parts of a game is an affecting reminder of his personality. While writing the descriptive composition for Stradlater Holden talks about Alliers glove The thing that was descriptive about it, though, was that he had poems written all over the fingers and the pocket and everywhere He wrote them so hed have something to read when he was in the field and nobody was at bat (Salinger 43). This quote shows how unique and unusual Allie had been. When talking about the baseball mitt we see a gentle side of Holden. Holden does not assimilate why someone so special and wonderful can die the way Allie did. Holden speaks to Allie when he is in emotional distress. The glove is like a talisman to Holden he cherishes it for what it truly is. After Stradlater had returned from the date with Jane he reads the composition and says For Chrissake, Holden This is about a goddam baseball glove? I went over and pulled it right out of his goddam hand. Then I tore it up (Salinger 47) This exemplifies what the mitt truly means to Holden, and that other people dont necessarily understand how important the topic of it is actually to Holden. Holden became enraged when Stradlater so casually dismissed the glove. Holden feels closer to his brother due to the glove even though he is not around anymore. While the glove is the connection and inspiration that Holden looks to when he is in distress, the Museum of Natural History represents the world Holden wished he lived in. The Museum of Natural History has displays that are frozen and unchangeable, everything is solid and still, every time Holden goes the exhibits are in the same place. As Holden walks towards the museum, he describes the museum as the best thing, though, in that museum was that everything always stayed right where it was (Salinger 121). It is portrayed that Holden wishes life was like a museum and did not change. Holden associates the museum with his childhood before Alliers death. Nevertheless, when he arrives at the museum he chose not to enter it. When I got to the museum, all of a sudden I wouldnt have gone inside for a million bucks. It just didnt appeal to me (Salinger 122). It is likely that he does not want to risk having his pure childhood memories ruined by there being change when he walks in. The museum represents safety, childhood, and happiness to Holden. Everything considered it can be said symbolism in The Catcher In The Rye is commonly reflected upon. Holden suffers a loss that ultimately changes his approach towards life and his competency to form any relationships.