Infant-Toddler Observation Cognitive, Language, and Social development

Infant-Toddler Observation
Cognitive, Language, and Social development
Infant-Toddler Observation Instructions (SIP – Shelter in Place version)
For this assignment, you will observe a child between 0-30 months. Two or more children will need to be observed for the Social Development section
Step 1: Choose a child to observe; be sure to obtain the child’s age
In lieu of in-person observations, for this semester we will be doing online observations.
The Infant-Toddler Observation module on Canvas will provide videos from which you may choose to complete your assignment.
Videos will be grouped by age range (young infants, older infants, and toddlers) with several video options in each age range.
Use as many videos as necessary to put together a well-developed report. You might use (3) different videos – one for each domain of the assignment. Or, you might find everything you need watching a single video and analyze the same child over all three domains. In some instances, you may not need to view the entire video to get the data you need.
Some videos are longer than others, some also have commentary or discussion following them. It is not necessary to watch the discussion portions, but you may if you choose to.
Important: Don’t let the video titles or any narration sway your observations and insights. Even a video titled “Social-Emotional” may have language and cognitive data to collect. Narration may or may not provide accurate or pertinent information for your analysis so be sure to base your analysis on your own data, observations, and readings.
Read through the instructions completely before choosing your videos; this way you will know what to look for as you observe.
Provide the link to your video observations under each domain, so I know which one(s) you viewed as I read your analyses
In a normal live observation, you might observe anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to get enough information to complete the assignment/analysis. For the online video observations, you may not need to observe as long.
Observe one child for each domain. For example, for the Cognitive section observe one child for your examples and analysis; for the Language section observe one child for examples and assessment. For the Social section, you will observe two children.
Step 2: Create a chart so that you can record behaviors from each domain as you witness them during your observation
Use this chart to record behaviors as you witness them; it’s a good way to organize your notes by domain. Then, you can go back later and verify the examples and check the average age milestones are achieved (norms).
A brief example of how your chart might look is shown below.
You do not need to type your notes, just submit a copy of the handwritten observations

Cognitive
Language
Social
Average Age Skills Expected
Milestone/Norm
Behaviors Observed

Two toddlers sat next to each other; each played with their own blocks, laughed at each other occasionally
Parallel Play
12-15mths

Toddler said, “Mommy go work.”

Telegraphic speech 18mths

The toddler dropped his fork on the floor over and over laughing each time

Sensorimotor stage (0-2yrs)
Substage 5: Tertiary Reactions 12-18mths
Step 3: Complete the typed analysis using the questions on the next page
Use your text and other expert sources of developmental norms (eg. CDC, AAP, WebMD) to support your answers and justify your assessments.
Typed Analysis: In paragraph format, 12pt font
Use the format as outlined below to complete your observation analysis. Cite sources where appropriate and use reliable data to compare expected milestones to skills observed.
Part I: Cognitive development
Provide the link to the video
State whether you have observed a boy or a girl
State the infant’s age and any other pertinent information
Describe briefly the setting(s) you observed
Cite the main source of your norms (milestones)
Based on the child’s behavior (not age), determine which of Piaget’s Cognitive Development stages (Ch 3) the child is in.
Use at least two examples from your observation and Piaget’s Cognitive Development theory to support your answer.
Explore a ­different theory from Chapter 3 or Chapter 8; explain how you would use this alternate theory to promote further cognitive progress in this child.
Part II: Language Development
Provide the link to the video
State whether you have observed a boy or a girl
State the infant’s age and any other pertinent information
Describe briefly the setting(s) you observed
Cite the main source of your norms (milestones)
Identify and describe TWO examples of the child’s language or communication. Be descriptive (tell what you see and hear the child doing), use quotes as needed.
Explain whether the child appears to be on a typical or atypical track for language development. Use reliable sources to compare expected skills with the child’s observed skills in order to support your answers.
Analyze the caregiver’s interactions and the environment related to how they are promoting or inhibiting language development. Give at least two examples of these.
Pick (2) strategies from Chapter 9 on supporting language development. Describe how each could increase language development for this child.
Part III: Social Development (You will need to observe two or more children)
Provide the link to the video
State whether you have observed a boy or a girl
State the infant’s age and any other pertinent information
Describe briefly the setting(s) you observed
Cite the main source of your norms (milestones)
Observe and describe two examples of child-to-child interactions.
Utilizing the Howes peer play scale, determine which stage of play the child exhibited. Explain your answer.
Identify how the caregiver or environment promoted or inhibited social development.
Before submitting your paper, check the following:
Have you cited your sources properly (within the text of your paragraphs)?
Did you add a full bibliography on the last page?
Did you check spelling, grammar, organization, and accuracy of statements?
Is your paper formatted in the same manner as the analysis questions?
Submit your finished (typed) assignment through Canvas
After submitting your assignment through the Turnitin link remember to attach your observation notes/chart in the separate Infant-Toddler Notes submission area. The notes do not have to be typed; instead, this should be the “raw” data/notes taken at the site.
(75 pts*)
* 5 additional points for submitting handwritten notes/chart of observation online
See syllabus for the due date – no late assignments will be accepted

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