What are some ways child care leaders can apply Freudian and Ericksonian theory to?

Question

What are some ways child care leaders can apply Freudian and Ericksonian theory to?

Answer 1

blaah...i prefer Vygotsky's socio-cultural learning theory. This includes cooperative learning...where children learn best when in social settings and that group work provides a more meaningful experience.

Also, discovery learning...where children are prompted to learn on their own through inquiry and curiosity!

Answer 2

The work and ideas of these men suggests that child care for children under 5 is a disaster and the source of much anguish.

Erikson's first phase -trust v mistrust - is the crux of the problem for so many in American culture today.  The first year, the baby needs to know - can i trust, is the world a good place, am i important?  All these questions are answered by mommy's responsiveness and reciprocity.  When the child spend hours on end longing for a mommy who doesn't come, regardless of the reason, the child learns mommy doesn't care, he is not important, and the world is not a good place.

Child care leaders should use these men's theories or the extensive data gathering by NICHD, to renounce infant/toddler-mother separation and to advocate for at least three years of paid mommy time for each child,  universal health care, and social security credits for mothering.

Ha- i finished my degree a bit earlier than the lady below, perhaps, but Freud is by no means 'discredited.'  Id, Ego, Superego remain, appreciation for the impact of childhood on the adult remains.  His daughter is still devoted to the well being of children.  Object relations theory is solidly freudian and solidly explains the problems for many day care kids today.  

Like all primates, human infants evolved to require their moms 24/7 for years.  Social, group learning is always with the mother present.  Always.    Humans are primates and our infants need the same thing all primate infants do.  Even if Freud noticed it.

Answer 3

Freud -

Main points

Experiences in early childhood influence later development. Assumes sexual factors are major factors, even in early childhood.

Freud’s work was heavily criticised for lack of substantial evidence. He regarded basic sexual instincts as being the driving force behind virtually all behaviour. He regarded the development of personality as being the balance between the Id, the Ego and the SuperEgo. The Id strives for unrealistic gratification of basic desires, the SuperEgo strives for unrealistic  moral responsibility and conscience while the Ego acts to compromise these two opposing forces.

There are many unproven aspects to Freud’s work, for example Freud theorised that characteristics like generosity or possessiveness were related to childhood factors like parental attitudes to toilet training.

Erikson -

Main points

Develops beyond Freud’s ideas. More stages (8) and more influence of environmental factors.

Answer 4

Why?  What would be the point?  All this analysis and interpretation.  Let children learn through play and enjoy their childhood.

Answer 5

Simply by giving the children a voice and a choice when it comes to the activities you choose in your classroom. Too many times the children are told what to do and when too do it. By letting them have input into the ideas and study theme you are providing the very thing Freud and Erickson teach.

If you have heard of the Creative Curriculum you should use it. It helps provide a early learning environment for the children and helps them learn at their pace. Using the Creative Curriculum you bring the children up to different levels instead of stuffing information down their throat.

Answer 6

I have a doctorate in Early Childhood Education, and many years of teaching experience . . from 3 & 4-year-olds in Head Start to master's degree students of education, so trust me on this:  Freud and his theories have no place in Early Childhood Education or child care!  His theories are outdated, and more recent research has shown them to be mostly hogwash.  As for Erickson, you should be familiar with his stages, but don't base your program on what he says.  Better to focus on activities that foster language development, phonemic awareness (sounds that make up common words), and basic concepts such as counting.  These, along with socialization -- getting along with others, showing kindness and respect -- and promoting a love of literature will give you an excellent program.  Assuming, of course, that all caregivers love the children and their jobs.