Observations
I told Zack that we would be both reading books today and he instantly stressed his delight in being able to read stories with me. He scanned through the books which I had chosen to read with him and he instantly decided that he wanted me to read “Billy’s Beetle” to him. This was as expected as Children thrive from repetition. Children want the same stories time and time again. According to “Child Development” by Heather Brennand, it is a good idea for a child’s most popular book to be left on a display table for a little while, so that the child can familiarise themselves with the pictures and draw comfort from the story.
The book was 20 pages long and required attentiveness and as quoted from ““Child Care & Development” by Pamela Minett, a child who is over 5 years old should be able to listen to the whole story without losing concentration if the reader uses techniques to sustain their interest. Zack is not 5 years old yet and although he comfortably read the whole book and contributed by answering questions that I asked him, he but didn’t surpass my expectations because I was aware of his enjoyment for this particular book. Next I read “Our Puppies Holiday” and again he thoroughly enjoyed the story and consistently participated. In “A Practical Guide To Child Development,” it states that at the age of five it will be a challenge for the teacher to sustain the readers interest. Therefore I was impressed because it proved that he has phenomenal concentration levels and intelligence for someone of his age.
Then Zack began to read “Ben’s Stories,” he admitted his dislike for reading and asked if I could read it for him. Whilst reading he struggled and was below the norm for someone of his age because “An illustrated guide for children,” explains that at the age of 4 children should be able to read simple words such as “hat” and “cat”. Zack’s mother confirmed my assumption and told me that he was still on the level 1 reading books while some of his class mates had progressed to level 2. Shortly after we began, he started to loose concentration and wanted to go downstairs to watch TV, I reminded him that we still had to complete the picture – but I was forced to abide to his request of a short break after it became clear that he was deliberately rushing. Eventually we did complete the story, but due to his poor linguistic skills, Zack did not enjoy reading. Although it must noted that he did demonstrate magnificent imaginary skills and was constantly predicting what would happen next whilst listening and reading.
he showed no emotions after completing the task, but was eager to go down stairs
Evaluation
Physical Development
I studied Zack’s physical development, especially his fine motor skills from this visit. Zack struggled to accurately shade in the picture, constantly going out of the lines and thus lost patience rapidly. This is below the stage he should be at, according to “A Practical Guide To Child Development,” the child should enjoy the opportunity to be creative and should show a developing use of imagination. It must be noted that Zack and I took short breaks while completing the activity and I had to persuade Zack not to give up, this demonstrated a lack of patience which is expected, according to “Your baby and child” by Jenny Mathews.
Intellectual Development
I also studied Zack’s intellectual development especially his creative skills. Zack didn’t understood the concept that his picture, although imaginative, should correspond to reality, which is the level a stage 7 child should be at, according to “Child Care and Education,” the child should begin to remember distinctive features. Zack continuously drew the flesh of the cartoon character in different colours, which consequently proved that he was unable to merge his outside knowledge with his art. “An illustrated guide for children,” explains that with age the child will become more familiar with the environment and as a result their drawings will become more recognisable and will contain more detail. I agree with this statement, but will further investigate it’s validity in future analysis’s.
Towards the end of the previous activity 2 weeks ago Zack showed lots of patience and determination while he was completing the puzzles. He persevered constantly until the task was over, which exceeded the prediction made by the “Inter-Link” book, which states that by the age of four, a child should only be able to persevere for a limited time before getting frustrated. Unfortunately he got frustrated quickly today, proving that his attitude will be enhanced if he enjoys an activity similar to the previous activity.
Conclusion
I was generally displeased that Zack did not enjoy colouring, yet I thought that my visit went well as I learnt a selection of new things about Zack, I also genuine believe that today’s visit will facilitate his learning. I was also able to study the aspects of Zack’s development which I wanted on this visit. Zack co-operated well with me as I predicted, but the picture was challenging, possibly too difficult for him. To make Zack feel better, I felt the need to praise his work in order for him to feel pride and satisfaction rather than disappointment and frustration, this was recommended by “Child Care and Education” and increased both his confidence and self esteem. I observed his fine motor skills while colouring, which he didn’t manage immensely and failed to meet “A Practical Guide To Child Development’s” hypothesis that a 4 or 5 year old child should be able to express their knowledge accurately using a picture. While monitored his imaginative skills throughout, I was intrigued that he was experimenting and exploring with colours as expected according to “Child Development.” I think that his imaginative skills are quite well developed for his age, possibly because he watches his two older brother’s draw on regular bases. I will observe Zack again to see if his imaginative and physical skills develop.
