Observation Paper #1

Class/section: FHS 1500-404

Background Information
Childs age: Toddler 18-24 months
Fictitious name: Nick
Location: Online Daycare Video
Brief Video of a toddler name Nick, shows him playing with toys and other
Description: people.

Biological Development
Nick shows some trouble with his gross motor skills or physical ability involving large body
movement. (Berger 2016, p. 101). This is most obvious when Nick is playing outside at the water
station, while at the water station he hears the other kids yelling on the playground, he then decides
to join in, as he runs towards the playground he stumbles and falls. Though he stumbles he is not
discouraged and he gets right back up. For the most part he seems to be okay but when he gets excited
his legs cant keep up with his eagerness.
As far as his temperament, meaning: the biological based core of individual differences in style
of approach and response to the environment that is stable across time and situations. (Berger 2016,
p.135), it seems Nick falls under the Effortful Control category based on the three dimensions. Because
daycare for any toddler is an indifferent environment, especially with kids from different backgrounds,
daycare is great place to review a toddlers temperament. As you look at Nicks reaction to the
environment he is put in he is not shy to approach other kids or angry.
By the look of Nick he seems to be in good health, this is displayed through his active mind and
body, and he shows no sign of stunting. Stunting is an illness described as being short of their age
caused by severe malnutrition. (Berger 2016, p. 111) As you review the video you can see Nick with
the other kids and he does not appear to be short for his age, his energy is another indication that he is in
good health. (Berger 2016, p. 111)

Cognitive Development
In the videos titled Toddler Video Outdoor, you can clearly see Nick is quite the Little Scientist
which as Piaget classifies: The stage-five toddler (age 12 to 18 months) who experiments without
imagining the consequences, using trial and error in active and creative exploration. (Berger 2016, p.
113). Nick explores everywhere, he spins the wheels on the car, he plays with the water, tastes the water,
and roams the playground. Whatever he sees or hears, he is drawn towards it. His curiosity is not
limited; as is shown through his facial expressions when he examines the toys he holds and when he
moves from one play area to the next.
When Nick is playing with the red ball he displays Object Permanence: The realization object
still exists even if they can longer be seen, touched or heard. (Berger 2016, p.114). This concept is
shown when Nick places the ball over his head and soon after it falls out of his hand, he then reaches
behind him to retrieve the ball. Though the ball is out of sight for a short moment, he knows it is behind
him. I found this fascinating because Piaget has described this concept as a phenomenon that is not
developed till after 8 months. He has said By 2 years, children fully understand object permanence,
progressing through several stages of ever-advanced cognition. This ability Nick displays is an
accomplishment that shows Nick is progressing.
In terms of language capacity displays, Nick is performing at the least-advanced level.
This is according to the Universal Sequence classification: Timing of language acquisitions varies 2-
year-olds speak more than 550 words, and the least advanced 10 percent speak fewer than 100. (Berger
2016, p. 120). In the beginning of the video when the caregiver approaches Nick, he gives her the ball
and says Ball that is when you hear Nick speak his first word. In that moment, it shows Nick
understands that the object he is holding is called a ball. Yet, throughout the videos he does not say
much, he makes a few other noises but that is it. I found it odd that in the video you could hear the other
kids talking but Nick seemed to be quiet.

Psychosocial Development
In the beginning of the video, Nick is by himself, he seems to be all right on his own. It is not
known for how long Nick has been in day care but it appears from the video Nick does not show any
signs of Separation Anxiety, which is a good sign because the American Psychiatric Association has
reported If separation anxiety remains strong after age 3 and impairs the childs ability to leave home,
go to school, or play with friends, it is considered an emotional disorder. (Berger 2016, p. 131). A child
who shows separation anxiety would be clingy, crying, shouting, or displaying any sign of distress. Nick
shows none of these signs and he seems to be more preoccupied with playing, from this one can derive
that Nick has overcome the separation hurdle.
When Nick is playing on the slide with the other children, he is happy. They are all getting along,
and even when they get into each others way or fall on top of each other, they continue to play. It was
neat to see Nick scream and jump with excitement when the other kids were too. However, it does not
seem that he has developed self-awareness, because when he is interacting with the other kids, he does
not show any temper or say mine which is sign of how toddlers show they are self-aware. (Berger
2016, p. 132). This is noticeable when Nick and the other toddler are playing with the balls; the other
toddler takes the ball away from him and yells. Nick yells as well but not because he is throwing a
tantrum because he is mirroring the other toddler.
Reference List
Berger, K. S. (2016). Invitation to the life span (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers.