Gender Development & Brain Development

Learning Outcomes This week students will:

1. Synthesize the impact parents, teachers and caregivers have on gender development.

2. Analyze infant temperament.

3. Critically reflect on your learning so far.

Introduction

We have learned in the past weeks how those who care for children influence their development.  But, how do infants influence us as parents, teachers and caregivers?  This week’s course content will continue our discussion on the infant/toddler stages of development, but will now focus on the social and emotional realm of that development.  You will examine how notions of gender develop, as well as the role of gender differences and stereotypes in a child’s development.  You will discuss the difference between an infant’s personality and temperament, and explore the implications the various temperaments may have for an infant and toddlers social and emotional development.  Lastly, you will be asked to reflect on your own learning.

Required Resources Required Text

1. Children’s Journeys: Exploring Early Childhood :

a. Chapter 6: Social and Emotional Development in Infancy: Little Forays

b. Chapter 7: Physical and Cognitive Development in Early Childhood: Side Expeditions

· This chapter discusses how young children grow physically and how their minds change and affect their learning.

Multimedia

1. Ftbfoundation.  (2010, May 18).   Boy Meets Girl  [Video file].  Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUpLiJfV4_A

2. Marlothomas.  (2010, August 4).   Free to Be, You and Me – Ladies First  [Video file].  Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NkYlelUUck

3. Marlothomas.  (2010, August 4).   Free to Be You and Me – Princess Atalantis  [Video file].  Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuyRi2yWWSQ

4. Marlothomas.  (2010, August 4).   Free to Be You and Me – William Wants a Doll  [Video file].  Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lshobg1Wt2M 

· These short video clips portray a number of scenarios that examine gender roles and identity.

Recommended Resources Multimedia

1. Studio Miramar (Producer).  (2000).   Fighting Gender Stereotypes, Digital Divide: Teachers, Technology, and the Classroom  [Video file].  Available on Films on Demand.

· This short 3 minute video clip demonstrates how gender bias in the classroom occurs.