Running head: PERSONAL PARADIGM
My Personal Paradigm
Celeste Riches
Brigham Young University Idaho
CHILD 325
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My Personal Paradigm
Throughout time there have been many theorists who have given a say about the lives of
children and how they learn. Many popular theorist are Piaget, Freud, Vygotsky, and Erikson.
However, there are some ideas from theorist that I agree with more than others. I want to focus
on the work of Montessori, Bronfenbrenner, Vygotsky, and Froebel and their influences in the
lives of children. Many of my own ideas run parallel to those of these four theorists. They have
not only influenced the field of child development but have also helped influence my personal
paradigm of children.
Maria Montessori
Maria Montessori had a lot of great ideas for children and how they learn. She created the
Montessori education which is very child-centered and originally worked with children living in
poverty (Berk, 2012). Some of her techniques include, multiage classrooms, teaching materials
specially designed to promote exploration and discovery, long periods for individual and smallgroup learning in child-chosen activities, and equal emphasis on academic and social
development (p. 348). Montessoris used these techniques because she knew it was import for
children to be self-driven and enjoy their learning. This theory applies to me because I want to
work with Early Head Start. Most of the children in Early Head Start come from families living
in poverty. This is the same as where Montessori began teaching. I believe that children should
never be forced to do activities if they do not want to. I believe child have a choice in what to do
or what to play with. As the educator, it is up to us to give them options of things that would be
appropriate.
Ecological Systems Theory
PERSONAL PARADIGM
Urie Bronfenbrenner created the ecological systems theory which focuses on the
influences that surround the child. Berk (2012) defines this system saying this theory views the
child as developing within a complex system of relationships affected by multiple levels of the
surrounding environment (p. 25-26). There are four levels that make up a childs environment.
These levels include a microsystem-what influences the child the most, a mesosystem- the
second level, an exosystem- social environments that do not play a huge role in the childs life,
and the macrosystem- values and cultural beliefs (Berk). I agree with Bronfenbrenners
ecological systems theory because a child has many things that influence them. In learning and
growing up there are many outside sources that teach children different social cues and other
information. When trying to help a child and their family it is important to know where they are
coming from. The ecological systems theory helps to understand the childs surrounding
environment.
Sociocultural Theory
Vygotsky developed the sociocultural theory. In this theory he focuses on culture and
different beliefs play a part in individuals and families lives (Berk, 2012). This is translated in his
belief that adults and more expert peers help children master culturally meaningful activities
and children depend on assistance from adultsas they tackle new challenges (p. 25).
Vygotskys theory is similar to Bronfenbrenners in the sense that they both deal with the
cultural and environment around the child. It is important to remember the childs culture in their
learning and make learning appropriate to their culture. This is especially important to what I
want to do because I do not know what cultures I will be working with. I could work with
cultures similar to my own or completely different cultures. It will be important for me to learn
and understand the familys cultures I help.
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Friedrich Froebel
Friedrich Froebel developed the kindergarten system with its emphasis on play and its
use of gifts (play materials) and occupations (activities) (Smith, 1997). Froebel focuses much
of his studies on children at play. He created many toys that children can use in play and their
exploration because he strongly believes in children exploring their world through play (Smith).
Just as Froebel emphasized play in his studies, I also believe that play is a huge part of a childs
life. Children can learn so much through play and a child can miss a lot of learning opportunities
if they do not participate in play. In my future with my family and in my career I want to
emphasize the importance of play. Children can learn social skills, grow cognitively, and even
develop physically as they play and explore the world we live in.
Many theorist have given their points of view of what is important for children and what
the reasons are behind a childs growth. I agree with many of the theories given but I have a
strong connection with Montessori, Bronfenbrenner, Vygotsky, and Froebels theories. Children
are complex individuals. They are not a blank slate that we fill with ideas and teachings. They
have a background, likes, dislikes, and as such we should take their choices, beliefs, and cultures
into consideration as we teach them individually. It is important to let children be children; let
them play and explore to gain a better understanding of their world.
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References
Berk, L. E. (2012). Infants, children, and adolescents (7th ed.). Boston: Pearson /Allyn & Bacon.
Smith, M. K. (1997). Friedrich Froebel (Frbel). Retrieved from [Link]
