Virtual child part 1

Assignment

A Critical Path for the Virtual Child

Nasim Khan

Student ID-300621777

Course code- ECEP- 103

Section-001

Date- November 08, 2011

Instructor- Chris Cadiewx

Nasim Khan Student ID#300621777

2

Table of content

Sl. No. Description Page No.

1. Part – A 03

2. Part – B 10

3. Part – C 14

4. Bibliography 17

5. Self Evaluation 18

6. Reports of Virtual Child Annexure-1


3

Part A:

The Infant Age (0-4 Months)

My baby’s physical, social/emotional and intellectual domains of the developmental milestones patterns. Is it typical?

Developmental

Domain

Answer

(My original thoughts)

Proof

(Examples from my reports)

Example

(My references)

Physical

I believe that even

though Sarah was a

premature baby, but

the Physical

developmental

progress is quite

typical.

Sarah was born about four

weeks earlier. Her birth weight

was five pounds. Her APGAR

score was 6. She seemed

healthy otherwise. After five

days, her APGAR score had

increased from six to eight. For

the first week or so she wasn’t

very hungry and actually lost a

little weight. However, Sarah

has started to suck more milk

from breast, and gained some

weight back. At 3month, Sarah

was often drowsy, and even

when awoke, she spent a lot of

time calmly examining objects

or gazing quietly at people.

Normal birth weight is 6.6 to 7.9

pounds, and low birth weight is less

than 5.5 pound). Normal APGAR

score is 7. Typical 3-month babies

eat well. Body immune system

develops during that time. They

sleep 14-15 hours a day, and the

sleeping pattern is more

manageable. They can follow the

moving objects around them. (Kail &

Zolner,2009:p101-107)

Social / Emotional

I think the social/

emotional

developmental

milestones of Sarah are

same as a typical baby.

She had a particularly piercing

cry. Sarah slept virtually most of

the time, only woke when

hungry, cold or wet. I noticed

that Sarah’s crying was rhythmic

and moderately loud when she

was hungry. When she awoke

she spent a lot of time calmly

examining objects or gazing

quietly at people. Sarah smiled

at familiar people, laughed

when saw funny things.

A basic cry starts softly then

gradually became more intense and

usually occurred when she was

hungry or tired. It may be either

mad cry, a more intense version of a

basic cry, or a pain cry beginning

with sudden, long burst of crying,

followed by a long pause, and

gasping. (Kail & Zolner,2009:p101-

107)


4

Intellectual

It seems that the

intellectual

development of Sarah

is almost perfect as a

typical baby.

Sarah has started to suck more

milk from breast, and gained

some weight back. Sarah

showed more intense interest in

her surroundings. She had a lot

of cute little habits. Sarah could

focus her eyes on me. I noticed

that Sarah could learn a thing or

two, so I showed her the toy,

such as rattles mobiles. At that

time she looked at those for

reaching of them.

They can respond to sounds of

voice, rattle and bell. Vision of

children goes through many changes

during the first months. At first she

would see edges of things because

center of her visual field is still

blurred.

He would like to look at objects held

about 20-35 cm in front of him, just

the right distance for watching the

face while feeding or holding.

Baby focuses on faces of mother

and other strangers.

By one month she would be able to

focus on things as far as 90cm (3 ft).

http://www.effective-parenting-

tips.com/intellectual-development-

1.html

The Infant Age (5-8 Months)


Developmental

Domain

Answer


Proof


Example

(My references)

Physical

Sarah had some digestion

problems, however her

development was seemed

typical for her age

Sarah had problems with

indigestion and diarrhoea,

and seemed prone to

catching colds. Naturally she

did not have much appetite,

and cried a lot during these

illness periods.

She could crawl, sit, and

standing up, but could not

walk.

To establish a regular bed

time and sleep through the

night, I put her well fed and

with cleaned diapers at the

same time every night, and

ignored crying unless it went

on more than ten minutes.

She learnt to go to bed on

time.

The child at 4 month can rollback on

its tummy, and can move the eyes to

follow a person. She can creep, sit

upright without support, and can

stand for a short period.



1.html

http://www.effective-parenting-tips.com/intellectual-development-1.html







5

Social / Emotional

The features with Sarah

indicate that she is

socially/ emotionally

typical for age like any

other child.

Sarah cried sometimes when

I put her to bed at night even

though she was obviously

sleepy. She recognized me,

had preference on me than

others, and was a little

reluctant to part me at

daycare, and starts crying.

However, she got it over

quickly after I left.

The baby can recognize her parents,

and becomes anxious of strangers.

She would become much more

clingy and anxious when separated

from mother. Reassure her with lots

of love and attention and eventually

she would realize that parents will

come back.



1.html

Intellectual

I found her developing

cognitive skills typical for a

child for her age.

Sarah showed signs of

independence. She seemed

to have little goal that

involved two steps planning

ahead. I encouraged her to

point to toys and keep trying

to get those were out of

reach.

Her understanding of language

developed faster than her ability to

talk.

The child is keen to communicate,

and try to make different sounds

with his mouth.

The baby tries to concentrate on any

activity if demonstrated, and if

encouraged.



1.html

The Infant Years (9-12 Months) My baby’s physical, social/emotional and intellectual domains of the developmental milestones patterns. Is it typical?

Developmental

Domain

Answer


Proof


Example

(My references)

Physical

Sarah’s development is

consistent with a typical

child of her age.

Sarah was ill several times from

colds or digestive upset. The

doctor advised keeping her away

from sick people, and checking

out a new food for a few days to

test for allergies. At the age of 12,

Sarah still had occasional

problems with indigestion, but

could tolerate.

Sarah is an efficient crawler and

started stepping to walk.

By 9 months of age, many infants

get themselves into a sitting

position on their own, and can also

pull to a stand while holding onto

furniture- the obvious first step

towards walking.

Children’s growth is dramatic

during first year. They grow taller,

and their heads get bigger.

http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/kb/co

ntent/special/hw251065.html







http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/kb/content/special/hw251065.html



6

Social /

Emotional

I observed Sarah’s

emotional development,

matched these with

reliable references, and

found that Sarah is

growing as a typical child.

When Sarah became upset, it was

difficult to soothe her down.

Sometimes she accepted her

embraces and sometimes pushed

me away.

She readily adapted to the new

people. She made eye contact,

smiled at them, and vocalized to

them quite a bit. Sarah had

typical emotional reactions for

her age, such as fear of total

strangers, separation anxiety and

a quick, loud cry when upset or in

pain.

Babies start to show their

emotions and how they feel about

other people. They start to know

that when mom goes away, she

will come back.

They start to understand they are a

person, and can recognize

themselves in the mirror.

They have developed some

definite ideas about likes and

dislikes- they may kick and resist

change or other restrictions to

their freedom.

They are clingy and wary of

strangers. They smile and babble

and try to engage others in

conversation.

http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/kb/co

ntent/special/hw251065.html

http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.a

u/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Chil

d_development_%284%29_nine_t

o_12_months?open

Intellectual

Sarah’s intellectual

development is like a

typical child.

At the age 12, Sarah started to

explore her environment eagerly.

She clearly understood a couple

of dozen words.

Sarah recently pronounced her

first clear word and pointed at

the object in question. She was

able to find the object even after

long delays, and seemed to think

that as a great game.

Babies try to find hidden objects.

They try out new actions to reach

the same goal, or change old

actions through trial and error.

They develop stronger memory

skills. Enjoy looking at pictures.

Point to the correct parts of the

body, and know that smaller

objects fit into larger ones.

http://www.bestchance.gov.bc.ca/

you-and-your-toddler-0-

36/toddler-development/ages-9-

12-months/cognitive-

development.html



http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Child_development_%284%29_nine_to_12_months?open




http://www.bestchance.gov.bc.ca/you-and-your-toddler-0-36/toddler-development/ages-9-12-months/cognitive-development.html






7

The Toddler Years (2 Years old)


Developmental

Domain

Answer


Proof


Example

(My references)

Physical

Sarah is physically like any

typical girl of her age.

At 18 month, Sarah had a

tremendous drive to use her

motor skills. She learned to walk.

I had to keep an eye on Sarah

because she might quickly toddle

off into the crowd at public places

or even into the street. Sarah

usually preferred quiet activities

such as looking at her picture

books with an adult sitting in my

lap and playing with toys, or

playing with objects such as

puzzles, blocks, or other toys. I

went along with Sarah’s interests,

but also introduced some more

exciting games such as playing

catch or climbing on the

equipment at the park.

Sarah experienced a scary

accident in which she went off a

curb in the park and got

scratched off. Since then she

avoided riding her “Hot wheels”

tricycle.

She was toilet trained by the age

2 years. She rarely had accidents.

Toddlers gain control and

coordination and become steady

walkers, and then climbing,

running, and jumping. They can

walk around obstacles and walk

more erect. They Squats for long

periods while playing.

Often achieves toilet training

during this year although accidents

should still be expected. The child

will indicate readiness for toilet

training.

They throw large ball underhand

without losing balance, and hold

small cup or tumbler in one hand.

Stacks four to six objects on top of

one another.

Uses feet to propel wheeled riding

toys.

http://children.webmd.com/tc/gro

wth-and-development-ages-12-to-

24-months-overview

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child

_development_stages#Physical_5

Social/

Emotional

I checked Sarah’s social/

emotional development

with other reliable

reference sources, and I

found a normal healthy

social/ emotional

development of Sarah

during this age period.

Sarah sometimes talked to

herself or makes the dolls and toy

figurines and talked to each

other. Sarah was very outgoing

and friendly with new people.

Sarah’s communication skills

grew very well, she could speak

mostly in three to four word

sentences.

Sarah has shown some

interesting new behaviour. Some

Toddlers form strong emotional

attachments and often feel uneasy

when they are separated from

their loved ones. This sets the

stage for conflict, confusion, and

occasional breakdowns. Continues

to use physical aggression if

frustrated or angry.

Temper tantrums likely to peak

during this year; extremely difficult

to reason with during a tantrum.

http://children.webmd.com/tc/growth-and-development-ages-12-to-24-months-overview



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_development_stages#Physical_5



8

things I noticed her shy smiles

when asked to be in photographs,

looking guilty when she broke

something, and embarrassment

when she had a potty accident.

She knew her gender at age 2

years, and preferred to categorize

behaviour and objects suited for

boys and girls. She preferred

playing with girls, but got along

pretty well with boys.

Sarah was initially excited with

her move to new day care, but

became clinging and excited

within one week.

She often got frustrated, started

whining and turned to me for

help. Sometimes Sarah became

resistant to my requests for

cooperation. For example, she

says “no”, or refuses things that

she accepted before such as food

or bath time. I realized that these

new emotions are related to her

developing self awareness.

Impatient. Enjoys "helping" with

household chores; imitates

everyday activities: may try to

toilet a stuffed animal, feed a doll.

"Bossy" with parents and

caregivers; orders them around,

makes demands, expects

immediate compliance from

adults.

Watches and imitates the play of

other children, but seldom

interacts directly; plays near

others, often choosing similar toys

and activities.

Offers toys to other children, but is

usually possessive of playthings;

still tends to hoard toys.

Making choices is difficult; wants it

both ways.

Often defiant; shouting "no"

becomes automatic.



24-months-overview



Intellectual

I found Sarah’s intellectual

development at this age

typical for a girl child of

her age.

Sarah just turned 15 months of

age, and I noticed that she often

studied things in her environment

and performed simple little

"experiments" with them, almost

like a little scientist. For example,

she built a little mount of dirt and

then studied the effects of

pouring water on it. In 19 month,

Sarah’s language skills developed

rapidly. Sarah seemed to know

names of an unusual number for

things. Sometimes I heard her

taking to herself as she played

alone in her room. In 19 month,

Sarah was able to imitate actions

or words that she had seen or

Children start at this age to think,

learn, and remember recent

events and actions. They can

understand symbols, imitate,

imagine, and pretend.

At 15 to 18 months, a typical

toddler understands 10 times

more words than he or she can

speak. By the second birthday,

most toddlers can say about 50 to

100 words.

Children begin to use objects for

purposes other than intended. Can

do simple classification tasks based

on single dimension (separates toy

dinosaurs from toy cars).

Children can attend to self-







9

heard days before. Sarah also

seems to be aware of basic

categories, such as big or little,

and blue or red- I could tell

because of the way she sorted

her toys. In 24 month, Sarah

could remember recent

experiences, and provided simple

descriptions of what happened.

Sarah’s communication skills

were growing up. She could

speak three and four word

sentences.

selected activities for longer

periods of time and can discover

cause and effect.

They know where familiar persons

should be, note their absence, and

find a hidden object by looking in

last hiding place first.



24-months-overview









10

Part B

The Infant years (Birth to 12 Months Old) Identify specific health and safety considerations that you will have to consider during the infant years.

How will you address these issues?

Fall prevention:

Sarah had a scary fall from her tricycle, and got scratched. It is a common

problem with children. It is required to keep the infant’s nursery safe by removing

hazards to minimize risk and installing safety devices. I always tried my level best

to make my house infant-friendly in respect of health and safety by using extra

safety devices. I have installed window guards and stops, and use children-safe

screens keep bugs out. I secured safety gates at the top and bottom of every room. I

always strap Sarah into high chairs, infant carriers, swings and strollers.

http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/babies/at-home/ retrieved on Nov 03, 2011

Choking and suffocation prevention:

I attentively learnt from children safety books and videos that there are

simple things around the house that increase the risk of choking, suffocation and

strangulation for infants. I found Sarah always crawled around on the floor,

grabbed cords that were within reach and constantly put things in her mouth. I

always removed pillow, and soft blanket from her crib, because those can cover her

face that cause choking, and suffocation.


http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/babies/at-home/



11

Poison Prevention:

Poisoning is a serious illness. Poisoning can occurs when someone eats or

drinks a hazardous product. Younger children, especially infants, are at greatest

risk for domestic accidental poisoning by medicines, cosmetics, cleaning supplies,

art supplies, and pesticides. Nearly 64% of poisoning incident occur in the age 1to

4 months age children. I was always careful to protect those things beyond Sarah’s

potential reach.

(Pimento & Kernested, 2010:p 230)


Car Seat Safety:

Car accident is a very important cause of child death. I followed the

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations (March 2011) to keep

Sarah rear facing up to at least the second birthday for the best possible protection.

Some parents argued with me with the old rule of “12 months and 20 pounds"

when turning their child forward-facing in the car. I travel always keeping Sarah in

a rear-facing child safety seat in a back seat for as long as possible. I was always

careful to protect my baby from the car accident. (SafeKids website)

http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/babies/on-the-way/ retrieved on Nov 03,

2011

Prevent Diarrhoea:

Diarrhoea and other infections are common killers for infants. In children, it

is the commonest symptom of gastroenteritis. My doctor gave me counseling after

Sarah’s birth about it. Breast feeding boost children’s defense against diseases,

prevents diarrhoea, increases ties with mother and helps to develop the chewing

muscles. For this reason, I practiced exclusive breast feeding to Sarah up to 4-6

months. (Pimento & Kernested, 2010:p 173)


http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/babies/on-the-way/


12

The Toddler Years (2 Years Old) Have there been any environmental events that you think might have influenced your child’s

development? Does this create any health or safety concerns for your toddler?

Proper Nutrition:

In the second year of life, most infants make a transition from breast milk or

formula to cow’s milk. At this age children should drink homogenized milk.

Children at that age need the fat from whole milk for brain development. I was

very cautious to provide proper nutrition for my baby. (Pimento & Kernested,

2010:p 230)

Drowning:

Drowning is the second highest causes of childhood mortality and morbidity.

Toddlers can unbelievably be drowned in tiny water pool. Outdoor drowning on a

body of water is possible if a child falls through thin and melting ice during winter.

Another possible hazard is an open door that leaves to the play room to the

washroom. (Pimento & Kernested, 2010:p369) For this reason a secured the doors

in childproof manner when Sarah was a toddler.

Burns:

Childs are not mini-adults. Their skin is thinner and softer than skin of

adults. Toddlers are susceptible to scald from hot tap water, and drinking soups or

hot beverages as they cannot realize the danger of hot liquids and other burns

hazards. (Pimento & Kernested, 2010:p369) For this reason, I was alert when

Sarah was of two years old.


13

Falls and slips:

Falls are the commonest cause of childhood injury in different settings. Falls

at the playground are common and can be serious and life threatening. Sarah once

slipped from her “hot wheels” tricycle, and got scarred. From that incidence I

became very careful about her playing and any possibility of falls. (Pimento &

Kernested, 2010:p371) Toddlers also slip on wet surfaces, and get injured. That is

why, I always keep my floors dry where Sarah can move and play.

Immunization:

Toddlers are very susceptible to respiratory, skin and other infections.

Immunization support toddler’s health and safety. I completed Sarah’s

immunization schedule in due time, however I checked with her family doctor

about availability and necessity for any new and emerging immunization (Pimento

& Kernested, 2010:p123).


14

Part C The Pre-School and School Age

My prediction about what might happen to my virtual child, Sarah, in the preschool and school age years.

Why do I think these things might happen?

Developmental

Domain

Evidence (Why I Predict)

Prediction

References

Physical

I have reared her up from

birth to twenty four

months, and experienced

her physical, social,

emotional, and

intellectual development

at different age levels. I

can now gaze that what

might happen to my

virtual child in the

preschool and school age

years.

In spite of her premature

birth, occasional bouts of

indigestion, and cold, my

child had normal physical

development, specifically

with gross and fine

motor, during the infant

and toddler years.

My prediction for the upcoming years is

that she will continue to grow with her

typical gross motor skills in running,

climbing, and jumping. She will get back

on the tricycle, and eventually ride a

bicycle, without the fear of falling off and

hurting herself.

In regards to fine motor, she will get the

hang of building replicated block towers,

colour within the lines, and copy shapes

making the objects available to her.

By age 5, she could go to the toilet alone,

managing all aspects of dressing,

undressing, wiping, and hand washing

though , about 30% of healthy 4-year-old

children and 10% of 6-year-old children

have not yet achieved regular nighttime

bladder control.

Doubling the child's height at age 24

months fairly accurately predicts adult

height.

While her fine motor skills continue to

improve during the school year ages, I

predict my child will be able to tie up her

laces, and cut with scissors.

There can also be a big difference in the

age at which children begin to develop

secondary sexual characteristics. For

Sarah, secondary sex characteristics

include:

• Breast development

• Underarm and pubic hair growth

Pimento, B., &

Kernested, D. (2010).

Healthy Foundation in

Early Childhood

Settings. Toronto:

Nelson, pxv

Kail, Z., & Zolner, T.

(2009). Children: A

Chronological

Approach. 2nd Can Ed.

New Jersey: Pearson,

p229-230.

http://www.merckma

nuals.com/home/child

rens_health_issues/pr

eschool_and_school-

aged_children/physica

l_development.html

http://www.nlm.nih.

gov/medlineplus/en

cy/article/002017.ht

m. Page last updated:

02 November 2011.

Retrieved on

November 04, 2011

Social /

Emotional

She readily engaged with

visitors with smiles, and

good eye contact. She

showed immediate signs

Sarah would be very outgoing and

friendly with others. She would share her

belongings with friends. Peer acceptance

becomes more important during the

http://urbanext.illinois

.edu/babysitting/age-

school.html. © 2011

University of Illinois

http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/childrens_health_issues/preschool_and_school-aged_children/physical_development.html






http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002017.htm




http://urbanext.illinois.edu/babysitting/age-school.html




15

of wanting to get down

and approach or beheld.

She seemed at ease with

the examiner throughout

the session.

She was cheerful

throughout the play

sessions and the

examinations sessions

with the child specialist,

and rarely became tense

or emotional during the

period of observation.

She felt shy when broke

anything.

Sarah played freely with

other children, and

shared her toys.

school-age years. She would like to join

organized groups of her own sex, and

take part in certain group behaviours and

activities.

Children are increasingly able to

understand another person's perspective

and so learn the essentials of taking turns

in games or conversations.

She might have a strong need to feel

accepted and worthwhile. She might

prefer individual achievements over

competition. She may like

encouragement and suggestions over

competition. She would begin to take

responsibility for her own actions.

Board of Trustees

http://www.nlm.nih.g

ov/medlineplus/ency/

article/002017.htm.

Page last updated: 02

November 2011.

Retrieved on

November 04, 2011


(2009). Children: A

Chronological


New Jersey: Pearson,

p107-110

Intellectual

Intellectual development

of Sarah is almost perfect

as a typical baby.

At 2 years of age, she

scored in the above

average range on the

tests of language

comprehension and

production, and provided

complete and

grammatically mature

sentences in a

conversation about a

picture.

Sarah showed more

intense interest in her

surroundings. She had a

lot of cute little habits.

Sarah could focus her

eyes on me. I noticed that

Sarah could learn a thing

or two, so I showed her

the toy, such as rattles

mobiles. At that time she

looked at those for

reaching of them.

For cognitive/intellectual development, I

predict my child will be more

experimental in her environment, and

with the objects in her surroundings.

I predict that Sarah will grow and be able

to speak at the normal range of a

preschool child. I believe this will occur

with my help and also by continuous

listening and using the available tools

(picture books with limited words,

storytelling time, and other children’s

communication skills). I also predict she

will be able to write her name by the time

she enrolls in kindergarten.

By age 4, she might have a more

complicated understanding of time, and

the difference between fantasy and

reality. She might realize that the day is

divided into morning, afternoon, and

night, and the year into seasons.

By age 7, Sarah’s intellectual capabilities

would become more complex. By this

time, she could be increasingly able to

focus on more than one aspect of an

event or situation at the same time. For

example, at school-aged children she

might appreciate that a tall, slender

http://www.merckma

nuals.com/home/child

rens_health_issues/pr

eschool_and_school-

aged_children/intellec

tual_development.ht

ml. Last full

review/revision May

2006 by Eve R. Colson,

MD retrieved on

November 04, 2011


(2009). Children: A

Chronological


New Jersey: Pearson

http://www.effective-

parenting-

tips.com/intellectual-

development-1.html









16

container can hold the same amount of

water as a short, broad one. Her mother

can be angry at her but can still love her.

Also, I predict that she will begin to have

a longer attention span and concentrate

for longer periods. I predict this because

when she was a toddler she was able to

stay on task.


17

Bibliography:

Kail, Z., & Zolner, T. (2009). Children: A Chronological Approach. 2nd Can Ed.

New Jersey: Pearson

Pimento, B., & Kernested, D. (2010). Healthy Foundation in Early Childhood

Settings. 4th edition. Toronto: Nelson

http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/childrens_health_issues/preschool_and_scho

ol-aged_children/physical_development.html retrieved on November 04, 2011

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002017.htm. Page last updated:

02 November 2011, retrieved on November 04, 2011

http://urbanext.illinois.edu/babysitting/age-school.html. © 2011 University of

Illinois Board of Trustees, retrieved on November 04, 2011


retrieved on November 04, 2011

http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/babies/on-the-way/ retrieved on November

03, 2011






http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/babies/on-the-way/


18

Self Evaluation

I have done my research on my virtual child development up to 24 months. I

tried to gather information about Sarah as much as I could. I tried to provide wide a

clear idea about her physical, social/ emotional, and intellectual development.

I believe my strength was to get into the depth in my research and to pull out

the information about Sarah’s development of each level of age. Also as a mother I

am experienced to rear up children. I applied my affection, devotion, and

experience to support developing Sarah’s physical, social/ emotional, and

intellectual development. Through this program I learned more using the computer,

citation and referencing adopting APA format, and paraphrasing documents. I

could upgrade my computer skills while doing this assignment.

This research work was very much challenging for me too. The main reason

is that English is my second language; sometimes I faced difficulty to understand

some technical terms, descriptions and explanations.

I had to work very hard to complete my research work. In order to submit it

within deadline, I had to be more organized, time sensitive, and skilled in computer

literacy. I became more knowledgeable to rear up a baby, more informative about

their daily needs, their requirement for support by knowing their development

milestones at each age level.

Finally, I strongly believe, this hands-on experience would help me to be a

successful Early Childhood Educator.

Documents

Virtual child part 1