Because I work with younger children, especially kids under 3 years old, I'll remember the chapters and lectures describing their language and mental capacities. I've definitely noticed that kids start babbling much earlier before beginning the one-word phase but never understood that it was their attempt at mimicking actual talking. Also, I used to play games with the babies where I'd hide things in my hands, not realizing I was manipulating their lack of object permanence. This applies to my life not only because of my past childcare experiences, but I'll be a nanny for two kids this summer. I also plan to one day have my own family. Knowing more about the specifics of developmental stages will help me appreciate just how much goes into growing and developing overall.
5 Years Down the Road..
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That is a good thing to remember, it is really cool how babies can actually "understand" all languages when they are first born, and then they slowly transition into their native language after a few months. I learned that children are a lot smarter than we thought before I took this class.
This is one of those topics that could potentially apply to a lot of people's lives mainly because most of us have encounters with children in some way. Its great that you are able to take what you have learned and found interesting and apply it to your life and future!
I used to volunteer with children in kindergarten and I agree I could connect part of what I learned in class to my experiences with those children! There is definitely a difference in children from kindergarten and children in 2nd grade, for example.
Watching a child grow, and thier eyes moving from new and interesting stimuli is wonderful. Helping them learn and teaching is amazing and the thing is, when they are able to capture and remembering and holding memories in their little brains its amazing and they are like sponges! they remember everything. I am a mommy, and watching my baby grow and watching her learn is breath taking. its a true experience and so much fun. have a great time nannying
Yes, this is a good point to remember. I always think that human is really intereating for we can learn our first language unconsciously, especially after learning this part of the class.
I think I mentioned this in another post but it's interesting nonetheless... Children, when learning language, recognize words spoken close to their own names in a sentence more so than other words. This is because children become attentive to their own names (this is one of the first things they learn) and are thus more alert and likely to remember hearing the words mentioned close to their names. SO, if you want to teach specific words to your child (for example the word puppy), you can say things like "This is a puppy, Chris!"