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Children, whether they are typical, or atypical development, or children with exceptionalities

grow, learn, and develop through experiences. Every day is a learning experience for children
regardless of where they are. I strongly believe in positive reinforcement. According to McLeod,
Positive reinforcement strengthens behavior by providing a consequence an individual finds
rewarding, (2014). B.F. Skinner produced the reinforcement theory which acknowledges
children when they are doing the right thing instead of always telling children when they are
doing something wrong. Children need to know their expectations and limits and utilizing
positive reinforcement children will understand what is expected of them. When a child does
something wrong it is okay to tell them it is wrong, but let them know what they could do
instead.
Language is developed through social interactions. These social interactions can be at home with
a caregiver or in a classroom setting. My youngest son has a speech delay. I enrolled him in head
start and there he receives speech therapy once per week, but he also socializes with his peers.
Placing a child with a speech delay near other children that do not have a delay can help them
learn from their peers.
Children are affected by many factors in life when it comes to development. Understanding
cultural background, and family status will help me understand the development of the child.
Children are affected greatly when they come from split families. Encouraging these children
that they are special because they have two moms, and two dads. Bronfenbrenners ecological
system shows that children are affected when they are raised in split families. According to
Oswalt, If the childs two sets of caretakers disagree how to best raise the child and give the
child conflicting lessons, this will hinder the childs growth in different channels, (2015).
At young ages children observe and imitate what they see and hear from everyone around them.
As a teacher/caregiver I will make sure that I show the children good behaviors and encourage
them to make good choices. When I observe a child imitating inappropriate behavior I will
redirect them in a positive way. I will also question the behavior to understand where the child
learned it from so if it is needed I can contact the source. Banduras social theory states that
children imitate behavior of other children and adults. These models provide examples of
behavior to observe and imitate, (McLeod, 2011). When children see others acting in a certain
way they do not understand if it is right or wrong which is why they imitate such behaviors. As
an adult I will let them know that their behavior is unacceptable and let them know what is
expected of them.
There are times when children are overwhelmed with their surroundings and they may act out in
a way that is unacceptable. This is a time when children need some quiet time and I will direct
them where to go until they cool down. Once they cool down I will talk with them about their
behavior and make suggestions for the next time they encounter a similar situation.
References
McLeod, S.A. (2011). Bandura-social learning theory. Retrieved
from http://www.simplypsychology.org/bandura.html
McLeod, S.A. (2014). Skinner-operant conditioning. Retrieved
from http://www.simplypsychology.org/operant-conditioning.html
Oswalt, A. (2015). Urie Bronfenbrenner and child development. Retrieved
from http://www.gulfbend.org/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=7930&cn=28

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