Child: Oliver
Developmental Milestones Observed:
- Physical: Oliver is able to walk confidently, run without falling, and climb furniture with ease. He also has good hand-eye coordination, as evidenced by his ability to throw a ball with an overhand motion.
- Socio-emotional: Oliver is beginning to express a wide range of emotions, including happiness, sadness, anger, and frustration. He is also able to identify and respond to the emotions of others.
- Language: Oliver is developing strong language skills. He is able to speak in 2- to 3-word sentences and follow simple instructions. He is also able to identify common objects and name them.
Developmental Areas Not Observed:
- Problem-solving: Oliver did not have many opportunities to solve problems during the observation. He was mostly engaged in free play, where there was no specific goal or task to achieve.
- Self-regulation: Oliver also had difficulty regulating his emotions during the observation. He became frustrated when he was not able to do something, and he had trouble calming himself down.
How to Focus the Next Observation to See These Skills:
To observe Oliver’s problem-solving skills, I would provide him with a challenging task, such as building a block tower or putting together a puzzle. I would then observe how he approaches the task and how he responds to setbacks.
To observe Oliver’s self-regulation skills, I would pay attention to how he manages his emotions in different situations. For example, I would observe how he reacts when he is frustrated or when he does not get his way.
Importance of Play During Toddlerhood:
Play is essential for toddlers’ development. It helps them to learn about the world around them, develop their social skills, and express their creativity. Play also helps toddlers to develop their physical, cognitive, and emotional skills.
How to Use Play to Further the Development of Oliver:
Here are two specific examples of how I would use play to further the development of Oliver:
Activity 1:Block Building
Block building is a great way to promote problem-solving skills. Oliver could be challenged to build a specific structure, such as a tower or a bridge. He could also be encouraged to experiment with different ways to build with blocks.
Activity 2:Pretend Play
Pretend play is a great way to promote self-regulation skills. Oliver could be encouraged to pretend to be different characters, such as a doctor, a firefighter, or a superhero. He could also be encouraged to act out different scenarios, such as going to the doctor or going to school.
By providing Oliver with opportunities for play, I can help him to develop the skills he needs to succeed in school and in life.
