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Child Development - The Physical, Cognitive, and Social Development of the Child

This is a 6 week course - designed to give students a solid foundation in the principles of child development. This course is perfect for future teachers, childcare workers, social workers, nurses doctors, and more.
Class
Play

What's included

12 live meetings
9 in-class hours
Assignments
1-2 hours per week. included
Projects
included
Mastery Evaluation
Video Instruction
Grading
Written feedback on all submitted assignments will be given. Grading system requested by student or parent will be utilized if asked.

Class Experience

US Grade 7 - 10
Beginner Level
Child Development - the Physical, Cognitive, and Social Development of the Child is a 6 week Live Course - meeting twice per week. There will be projects assigned for each lesson. 
If your learner is thinking about self-paced courses - this is a great transition course to see if they are ready for a self-paced course, as there will be 2 meetings per week, but assignments and projects that they will have to do throughout the 6 week period.

2 live classrooms per week for approximately 45 minutes
Added videos to watch from other sources
Reading material for course content
Assignments and Projects to complete during the week based on course content

Projects may include observing children (may be children in your family) for behaviors studied in course content, creating an age appropriate game for young children, comparing and contrasting child development theories with your own experiences, creating poster board projects on the developmental milestones of particular age groups, etc. 

Each week we will also discuss "Hard Topics" related to Child development. See syllabus for details.

Learning Goals

Goal: Students will analyze child development theories and their implications for educational childcare practices (NASAFACS 4.2.1)
Goal: Students will explore and explain the roles and functions of individuals engaged in early childhood, education and services (NASAFACS 4.1.1)
learning goal

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
2 Units
12 Lessons
over 6 Weeks
Unit 1: What is Child Development?
Lesson 1:
What is Child Development, the 3 Domains of Development, and Ages and Stages?
 Introduction Lesson on Child Development, 3 Domains of Child Development, and what is meant by the terms Ages and Stages. Will have an overview of what to expect for the course. 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Theory & Reasearch in Child Development
 Why do we study Child Development? Who are the pioneers in this study and what theories do we use when studying Child Development. We will focus on Maslow, Erikson, Watson, and Piaget - focusing on their broad theories and how these researchers influence the study of child development today. 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Nature vs Nurture
 What is the difference between Nature and Nurture? Does genetics or environment influence development? We will discuss the theories surrounding Nature vs Nurture, including twin studies. 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Pre-Natal to Newborn Development
 We will explore the stages of Physical, Cognitive, and Social / Emotional development throughout the pre-natal to newborn stage. 
Hard Topic: Prematurity and Birth Defects, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. 
45 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Parental Guidance
Will need a composition notebook for journaling Will need a three ring binder, hole punch, and printer to print learning materials to keep for the course - if preferred over digital copies. Binder not required in the course - but recommended to stay organized with class material and assignments.
Supply List
Handouts, videos, materials will be located in the Outschool System.
Students will need a one subject notebook for journaling and assignments.
3 ring binder and 3 hole punch recommended for keeping handougs and notes.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
Course Textbook is Child Development from Infancy to Adolescence, 2nd Edition. Authors: Laura E. Levine / Joyce Munsch. I use this text to create the course and as a main reference to teach. Students are NOT required to have the text book - but a copy can be found on Vital Source.
Joined July, 2024
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Family and Consumer Science - Licensed Teacher, 2021 to present.
Bachelors Degree in Child and Family Studies - 2002, Berea College
Masters Degree in Education - 2022, Fort Hays University
Registered Dietitian / Licensed Dietitian - 2003, University of Kentucky
Parent of 4 children

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Live Group Course
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$34

weekly
2x per week, 6 weeks
45 min

Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-16
5-12 learners per class

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