Our Scholars Matter  

By Phyllis Brown 

As a scholar of social change I selected the following topics related to child development, learning and culture:  Bullying in Early Childhood is my focus topic.  Bullying is considered a problematic epidemic that I wanted to expose.  My goal is to promote bully prevention methods to parents, teachers and communities to ensure our future generation is protected, healthy and prepared for society.  Global Development of Children was considered a topic that resonated with me in an earnest way.  The beauty of watching babies develop helped me to see how children grow and learn according to the same timeline milestones.  The only difference among the babies learning was their cultural environment.  Watching Children Grow was a topic that afforded me the opportunity to watch children learn through play and explore the world around them.  I was enlightened on the importance of developing an awareness of what children need in order to grow emotionally, physically, socially and intellectually.

   

Bullying in Early Childhood 

Bullying is a significant problem that intentionally harms another individual in a physical, verbal or social way.  The effects of bullying in the early childhood field consists of children experiencing: a low academic outcome, low self esteem, behavioral issues, lack of social interaction and it affecting everyone around them (Raisor & Thompson, 2014). 

Bullying is generated from a lack of self -control among an individual who feels they have to be aggressive with another person.  Bullying can take place in a daycare, classroom or any public setting.  According to Freeman, G., (2014) bullying takes place in any activity area.

Bullying in Early Childhood Education

Children need an advocate that will protect, treat and heal them from bullying.   In addition children need reassurance that their teachers and adults are aware of what bullying looks and sounds like so they can be knowledgeable on bullying, red flags and indicators.

Freeman, G. G. (2014). The implementation of character education and children's

literature to teach bullying characteristics and prevention strategies to preschool children: An action research project. Early Childhood Education Journal, 42(5), 305-316. Doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10643-013-0614

Raisor, J. M., & Thompson, S. D. (2014). Guidance strategies to prevent and

address preschool bullying. YC Young Children, 69(2), 70-75. Retrieved from

http://search.proquest.com/docview/1621404903?accoutid=14872

Global Development of Children 

Global development of children across the globe was considered an inspiring and enlightening topic for me.  Culture is considered an influential component in child development, which helps to shape the life of a child.  It was amazing for me to view a video entitled, "Babies," because there was a multi perspective of children and families who reside in other countries around the world and of different cultures.  The inspiration is stemmed from the similarities that all children develop in the five domains: Physical, cognitive, emotional, language and social development in the same way in different parts of the world; the only difference is the environment.  

According to Focused Features, (2013) four mothers were represented from four different countries:  Namibia, Mongolia, Tokyo and San Francisco.  All mothers began bonding with their child before, during and after birth. Bonding methods consisted of breastfeeding, cuddling, babbling, reading and engagement in play with their child.  I have gained knowledge on how babies develop with the same milestones regardless of where they live in world.  It has warmed my heart to know to know how many special babies are developing globally at the same time preparing as the next generation. 

Focused Features. (2013). Babies.  Retrieved from http://www.focusfeatures.com/babies

Watching Children Grow

      The video observation entitled, "Young Children,"allowed me to reflect on my current understanding of child development related to the physical, cognitive/language and social and emotional domains.  As I observed, I acquired knowledge on the importance of how children learn.  I acquired an awareness of what children need in order to grow and develop successfully.  This specific observation allowed me to watch, process, observe and learn how children learn through play and how this critical stage in their lives are considered the foundation of their success in life (Laureate Education, Inc., 2013).  

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2013l). Video observation of young children [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author