QUESTION: What factors affect a child’s self esteem and shape their personality?

ACADEMIC SUBJECTS INVOLVED: English, Psychology, Sociology, Art

5243 Crystyl Ranch Dr.

Concord, CA 94521

January 22, 2021

Topic Approval Committee

Northgate High School
425 Castle Rock Road
Walnut Creek, CA 94598

Dear Sir or Madam:

In my Research Paper, I hope to answer the question: From ages 1-4, what factors shape a child’s personality and
temper? I am interested in investigating how a child’s environment changes them in the long term and what
makes them unique. I am especially interested in the psychological aspect of my research, as I have been around
children and worked with them for over five years now.

The Experiential Project I have chosen is to compile a book of poetry that is based on, and includes, the artwork
of all of the children I babysit. I will also provide a biography page for each child that contributes. My hope is
that through the poetry I write, I will be able to express the impact that taking care of these children has had on
me and help the children grow confidence in their abilities while collaborating with me. I will contact Melissa
Bevans, the former Assistant Director of Dianne Adair Daycare, to be my mentor.

This interdisciplinary project involves online research, babysitting and working with children, interviews with
parents and teachers.

This will be challenging for me because I will be attempting to extract meaning from the artwork of children
ranging from one to nine years old and guide them while they create it. I will also use my experiences with them
to formulate the poems that will be in the book. I anticipate that babysitting and helping several children over
the course of different days, writing the coinciding poetry, and compiling the finished project of a
scrapbook-esque book will take 20-40 hours of work.

I hope this meets with your approval.

Sincerely,

Amanda Dahlgren
English Teacher: Mr. Wood Period 2