Video Band 2 Critical Analysis
Within the field of child psychology much emphasis has been placed on the relationship and interactions of mother and child (Harris, 1998; Pinker, 2002). This essay intends to highlight the significance of another kind of interaction, that of the child and his/her siblings and peers, with the view to show how this type of interaction can have an impact on subsequent development. In the process, the essay will evaluate the research carried out and the evidence gained within this area by way of critical analysis. As an added aid the essay will take examples from the video material: Media Kit Part 1, Video Band 2: Zero to Hero as supplied by Open University (2006). The type of interaction mainly focused upon here is play; as this is the
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But to play with people on must have the ability to join in with others. In the video Zero to Hero supplied by Open University (2006), Professor Robert Winston lists certain factors that affect a child’s ability to join in with others including premature birth, shyness and laughter. Smith et al., (1999) sees laughter as an important social signal for children within play fighting both for the child to use and for the child to interpret others meaning of it.
Smith et al., (1999) also cite the ability to regulate emotion, turn-taking skills and the ability to understand another person’s point of view as important social skills, not just needed for successful social interaction but are actively developed and practiced in play …show more content…
However, as Kantor et al., (1999) warns that social competence should not be conceived as a static set of abilities and that other factors in the child’s environment should also be considered to contribute to a child’s development. And so taking again our real life example ‘Rubin’, one would expect that his advanced developmental and social skills would lead to a socially more successful life. To the contrary Rubin was reported by almost half his class (and later by assessment) as displaying somewhat anti-social behaviours. One reason Open University (2006) gives for this is a lack of concentration, which, it is hoped, will be remedied with fish oil supplements. The second reason, it is suggested is partly due to instability within the home environment. Rubin’s mother is pregnant and this is causing tensions with her partner.
The point to be drawn from this however, is that although play and interaction with siblings and peers is important for a child’s development it should not be taken as a prescription for normal or ‘healthy patterns’ of development (Schaffer, 1996) at least by western industrialised standards. Instead a more holistic approach should be adopted with regard to the multi-dimensional dynamic of a person’s developmental pathway from birth to maturity. Perhaps a good model to consider would be Sameroff’s
But to play with people on must have the ability to join in with others. In the video Zero to Hero supplied by Open University (2006), Professor Robert Winston lists certain factors that affect a child’s ability to join in with others including premature birth, shyness and laughter. Smith et al., (1999) sees laughter as an important social signal for children within play fighting both for the child to use and for the child to interpret others meaning of it.
Smith et al., (1999) also cite the ability to regulate emotion, turn-taking skills and the ability to understand another person’s point of view as important social skills, not just needed for successful social interaction but are actively developed and practiced in play …show more content…
However, as Kantor et al., (1999) warns that social competence should not be conceived as a static set of abilities and that other factors in the child’s environment should also be considered to contribute to a child’s development. And so taking again our real life example ‘Rubin’, one would expect that his advanced developmental and social skills would lead to a socially more successful life. To the contrary Rubin was reported by almost half his class (and later by assessment) as displaying somewhat anti-social behaviours. One reason Open University (2006) gives for this is a lack of concentration, which, it is hoped, will be remedied with fish oil supplements. The second reason, it is suggested is partly due to instability within the home environment. Rubin’s mother is pregnant and this is causing tensions with her partner.
The point to be drawn from this however, is that although play and interaction with siblings and peers is important for a child’s development it should not be taken as a prescription for normal or ‘healthy patterns’ of development (Schaffer, 1996) at least by western industrialised standards. Instead a more holistic approach should be adopted with regard to the multi-dimensional dynamic of a person’s developmental pathway from birth to maturity. Perhaps a good model to consider would be Sameroff’s