This writing assignment, will help you fulfill the course’s Student Learning Outcome (SLO), which is:
Students will demonstrate their knowledge in the physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional domains at various points throughout the human lifespan.
To do this, write about ONE of the following topics. Your paper should be three to five pages and have an introduction, a thesis statement, a conclusion, and plenty of specific examples.
1. Interview two mothers of different backgroundsabout their birth experiences and compare how their experiences were similar and different. What physical changes did they go through in the course of their pregnancy and in giving birth? What different thoughts and emotions do they recall during their pregnancy and during birth? You might also ask them about the circumstances of the birth and the influence of family and culture. In addition, give them latitude to talk about whatever else was important about their pregnancy and the birth of their child. [Adapted from Invitation to the Life Span, Applications, # 4, p. 71]
2. Choose one or two toys for toddlers. The toy can be one that babies in 2024 play with, one that you played with as a toddler, or any toy that you are familiar with. Describe the toy and how it works. Then analyze how the toy benefits the toddler in developing physically, cognitively, and emotionally. Be as specific as you can. For instance, you might use our textbook to help you pinpoint which parts of the toddler’s body, brain, and emotions are benefitting from playing with the toy. You might also consider, if the toy is interactive, how the toddler benefits from that.
3. Watch three of the four TED talks listed below. (You can google them.):
“What Do Babies Think?” by Alison Gupuik (cognitive)
“Five Dangerous Things You Should Let Your Child Do” by Gever Tulley (physical)
“How to Raise Emotionally Intelligent Children” by Lael Stone (socio-emotional)
“How Every Child Can Thrive by Five” by Molly Wright (overview)
Use these videos to discuss the cognitive, physical, and socio-emotional development of children. In your essay:
- Summarize each video in a paragraph or two.
- What specific examples from your own experience and observations does each video make you think about?
- What is the significance of each video for our society and for the examples you discuss?
While each of the videos is, of course, distinct, integrate all three topics, the cognitive, physical, and socio-emotional aspects of development, into one unified essay.
Note that the essay will be reviewed by Turnitin.com, including for use of artificial intelligence such as ChatGPT. After you submit your paper, you can look at your Turnitin.com rating under “submission details.” If your rating is above 15, you should check your paper for plagiarism and re-submit it, if necessary. (The rating for AI is separate, not available to students.) However, if you have properly cited and attributed any quotations or ideas from sources you have used, then don’t worry if your score is above 15. You can also do a grammar check through Turnitin.com. Click on the blue button that has a percentage stating your “similarity” score. Then click on the purple ETS box. Finally, click on the box to the left of grammar, mechanics, style, usage, and spelling. You should see a complete review of all your errors.
