PEPSI Screening for J. R.

Soriano, 1

PEPSI Screening for J. R.

Gladys Soriano

Education 220: Psychology Applied to Teaching

Dr. Vincent L. Richardson

July 11, 2021

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J. R. Biography

J. R. is a six year old boy, who comes from a two parent household, along with one

younger brother. J.R. speaks English fluently, but Spanish is the main language spoken in the

home, resulting in J.R. being bi-lingual. J.R. is a Mexican American, with both his parents being

Mexican and J.R. being born in the United States. J.R.’s father works at a stable job for the State

of Nevada and is home by 3:30p.m., and J.R.’s mother is a stay-at-home mom. Both of J.R.’s

parents express that he is a great big brother and does not show signs of jealousy with his baby

brother. Rather, he is nurturing and is constantly concerned when his baby brother cries. There

are no known allergies or illnesses. J.R. was born at full term with no complications and was

breastfed. J.R. eats breakfast and lunch at school that is provided by the school. J.R.’s parents

have no concern for any disabilities or mental illness. J.R. comes from a big family that has

reunions and celebrates milestones often. Most days after school, J.R. and his neighborhood

friends get together and play outside. J.R. and his family eat dinner at home at their dining table

together every night. J.R. has his own bed and room. J.R. attends school regularly and is rarely

late. Everyday J.R. gets dropped off at school by his mother and younger brother, but rides the

bus home after school. J.R. shows that he enjoys physical activities and is agile by running,

jumping, crossing monkey bars, and chasing fellow classmates. When J.R. arrives at school, he

walks straight to his locker to hang his backpack. Then, he proceeds to walk over to the

playground to play and socialize. J.R. seems social, he finds friends quickly to play with until the

bell rings. Once the bell rings, J.R. runs quickly to his teacher’s line and stands until the teacher

tells the students to walk to class. J.R. displays good coordination skills as he walks calmly with

no issues. During recess, it is about the same for J.R., he plays and gets into line when it is time
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to go back to class, with no issues. J.R. usually has a positive attitude and is cooperative. J.R.

seems to enjoy responsibility and helping others.

Physical Development

Physically, J.R. is on average the same height as his peers his age, has green eyes, and

blond hair. J.R. has lost two of his baby teeth, and in their place two new permanent teeth have

come in. Losing baby teeth at the age of six is normal for children (“Milestones for 6-Year-

Olds”, 2020). In Physical Education class, J.R. displays no issue with keeping up with most, if

not all, of the physical activities assigned. J.R. participates in all sports at school, such as soccer,

tug of war, dodgeball, and running. Additionally, J.R. is able to complete assigned exercises such

as push ups, sit ups, jumping jacks, and planks. J.R. is an active child that seems to enjoy

physical activity and demonstrates he is where he needs to be physically for his age (Morin,

2019). However, J.R. can be competitive to the point of occasionally attempting to cheat in a

game. For example, trying to get a head start in a race, in order to win. At this age, most children

follow the rules of sports or games and learn the meaning of sports and games (Morin, 2019).

J.R. is fully potty trained, and has no issue going to the bathroom by himself. J.R. understands

what is being communicated to him and has no issue communicating. J.R. speaks comfortably in

full sentences. His language development is average compared to his peers, as he speaks full

sentences and can understand full sentences (Rojas, 2018). However, in moments of distress, he

seems to have issues with stuttering and has long pauses in between words.

Emotional Development

Emotionally, J.R. displays enthusiasm for participating in class when he is interested in

the lectures and activities. However, J.R. becomes bored and tired quickly when lectures and

activities are not interactive or lectures are too long. J.R. will display these signs of boredom and
PEPSI Screening for J. R. Soriano, 4

tiredness by dancing around his chair, getting up and walking around, and putting his head down

on the table. “Children still need rest periods; they become fatigued easily as a result of physical

and mental exertion”(Snowman & McCown, 2015 p. 84). J.R. displays confidence in the world

around him, taking on new challenges confidently. J.R. enjoys talking about his thoughts, such as

how the world around him works and why. Also, what he would like to be when he grows up,

which he says is an astronaut and understands he needs to go to college to become one. Thinking

about the future and starting to understand the world around them is a stage for six year olds to

emotionally do (Middle Childhood (6-8 years old), 2021). Although J.R. takes on the world with

enthusiasm and wonder, when he feels overwhelmed with a task that he cannot understand after

trying to understand it, he can quickly feel self-conscious and withdraws to himself. This is

shown by giving up on the task at hand, and talking bad about himself, saying words such as “I

can’t do it” or “I’m not smart enough”. At this stage of emotional development, “Students are

sensitive to criticism and ridicule and may have difficulty adjusting to failure” (Snowman &

McCown, 2015 p. 86).

Philosophical Development

J.R.’s philosophical views seem to be that of nurturement, empathy, and encouragement.

When J.R. sees that a friend is struggling in an area, he usually comforts them through

encouragement. J.R. shows great empathy and nurturement to those around him by constantly

wanting to help and displays signs of concern when someone is struggling. This is average

behavior for children of J.R.'s age, as they become more aware of others' feelings and struggles

(Snowman & McCown, 2015 p. 87). J.R. thrives off of positive reinforcement, and he applies

that same positive reinforcement to those around him through encouragement. Children this age

need a lot of positive reinforcement because, “Students are sensitive to criticism and ridicule and
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may have difficulty adjusting to failure” (Snowman & McCown, 2015 p. 87). Although, these

are J.R.’s philosophical views, Piaget believes that children at the age of six are too young to

have philosophical views because, “the child has not yet mastered decentration—the ability to

think of more than one quality at a time—and is there- fore not inclined to contemplate

alternatives” (Snowman & McCown, 2015 p. 42). However, J.R. seems to understand the

importance of nurturement, empathy, and encouragement.

Social Development

Socially, J.R. excels, as he socializes with anyone around him no matter their age or

gender. J.R. approaches students and teachers to say hello and talk about whatever seems to be

on his mind. J.R. shows great confidence in making friends and inviting children to play with

him and his group of friends. In the morning before school starts, J.R. usually plays with a mix of

girls and boys, however with breakfast, J.R. eats with the girls and with lunch eats with boys.

This is above average social behavior for a six year old, as they tend to socialize and interact

with the same gender (Snowman & McCown, 2015 p. 85). J.R., usually, raises his hand to

volunteer with classroom chores. J.R. feels a great sense of accomplishment when he helps with

classroom duties or when the teacher gives him positive reinforcement. Children at this age have

a great sense to please their teacher, and “like to help, enjoy responsibility, and want to do well

in their schoolwork” (Snowman & McCown, 2015 p. 86). J.R. shows that he would rather

participate in group activities, rather than individual activities. This is shown by his attitude of

excitement and willingness to complete activities with his group. Socially, J.R. is nurturing and

kind to those around him showing nurturement when someone is hurt physically or emotionally.

He seeks to comfort those around him when he sees the need. This behavior is normal for this
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age as stated, “children are becoming sensitive to the feelings of others” (Snowman & McCown,

2015 p. 87).

Intellectual Development

Intellectually, J.R. excels in Mathematics compared to his peers. For example, he shows a

natural talent with numbers such as, addition, subtraction, counting, and multiplication. J.R. can

count higher than 100 by 1’s, by 5’s, by 10’s, and by 20’s. Additionally, he can multiply, even

though in his class they have yet to teach multiplication. J.R. knows 2-D and 3-D shapes, can

write mathematical problems, and understands less-than and greater-than. Although, he excels in

Mathematics compared to his classmates, this is average mathematical development for his age

as this is what children his are learning and understand (Barrington, 2017). With reading and

writing, he keeps up with most of the students in class. J.R. can memorize most words that are

taught in class, but has difficulty with bigger words. With writing, he can sound out and correctly

spell most words taught to him, however he does have difficulty correctly spelling a few words.

Jasper can read books that re-read to him constantly. This is average for six-years old as they are

learning how to read and write simple words, and write 4-5 word sentences (DeBruin-Parecki et

al., 2013). With Social Studies, J.R. finds great interest in how the world works, other cultures,

and animals. J.R., can write his first name, but still has difficulties with his last name. Physical

Education, Art, and Music are all subjects that interest him, as he participates constantly and

shows great enthusiasm for learning in the world of creativity. In the Library, he has a hard time

keeping up with story time, due to boredom (Snowman & McCown, 2015 p. 84). J.R. shows

little interest in story time as he constantly moves around and does not pay attention.
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Recommendations

Physical development with J.R.’s tendency to cheat and not follow rules in sports and

games, in order to win. The recommendation is to teach J.R. the importance of not cheating and

why it is better for him and everyone to enjoy a game or sport where everyone follows the rules.

For example, express to J.R. how he would feel if someone else cheated when they were playing

a game he liked and cared about. Additionally, although J.R. communicates well, in times of

distress he stutters and takes long pauses in between words. When J.R. is having a hard time

communicating because of stress or feeling emotional, the recommendation is to teach him how

to calm down first. This can be accomplished by teaching him breathing techniques, such as

breathing in through his nose and breathing out through his mouth a few times, then proceeding

to gather his thoughts and communicate afterwards.

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Recommendations for when J.R.’s Emotional development displays signs of boredom

during lectures, is to allow him to get up and stretch and provide mental breaks. Mental breaks

are a great way for children to regroup and refocus. Also, stretching is a great way for children to

move around and reenergize themselves. Also, when J.R. starts to withdraw to himself and feel

self-conscious about not understanding a task at hand, and starts to talk bad about himself. The

recommendation is to listen and teach how to overcome these emotions. Show that not everyone

understands things on the first try and everyone can use help, then offer to help them understand

and succeed. While helping, offer positive reinforcement and understanding. Possibly offering a

break if needed.

Recommendations for J.R.’s Philosophical development with how he strongly cares about

nurturing and comforting others, is to continue encouraging this philosophical view. When J.R.

helps others through hardships, afterward in private reward the good behavior by explaining how

amazing it is that he cares and helps. Express that this behavior is good and he should be proud.

Recommendations for J.R.’s Social development in regards to being eager to help out

with chores in the classroom, is to reward this positive behavior with positive reinforcement and

appreciation. Putting a sticker on his hand is a great way for J.R. to show the whole school he

helped with classroom chores. Additionally, J.R. seems to excel academically with group

activities, J.R. shows this through excitement, willingness to help others, and complete his own

tasks. Providing more group activities is great for children to socialize and help each other.

Group activities allow students to discuss different perspectives, learn more about each other,

and hold each other accountable.

Recommendation for J.R.’s Intellectual development with reading and writing is to make

up spelling songs for the words and rhymes to help him learn the words he is having difficulties
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with. Songs and rhymes are a great way to make learning, reading and writing fun, while also

making it easier for children to process and memorize. Although J.R. can write his first name, he

has difficulties writing his last name. A recommendation is to have him write his first name and

the first letter to his last name for a week, everytime he gets an assignment and he has to write

his name. This is what he will do. Then, in the following week he will add a second letter to his

last name. Then, the next week after that he can add the third letter to his last name for that week.

J.R. and give him time to grow accustomed to new letters and memorizing them. Also, during

story time at the Library, J.R. has difficulties staying still while books are being read. A

recommendation is to have sing along songs that are interactive and allow children to dance

along, in between reading books. This is a great way for children to exert energy and not become

mentally tired and bored.

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References

Barrington, M. (2017, July 3). Mathematics milestones 5-6. Kidspot.

https://www.kidspot.com.au/parenting/preschool/mathematics-milestones-56/news-

story/b2293c073331c335a4b9fb0ae14645ec#:~:text=Children%20who%20are

%205%2D6,of%20objects%20to%20the%20numeral.&text=Children%20can

%20commonly%20count%20backwards,can%20recognise%20numbers%20to%20100.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, February 22). Middle Childhood (6-8

years old). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/positiveparenting/middle.html.

DeBruin-Parecki, A., Perkinson, K., & Ferderer, L. (2013, November 7). Literacy

Milestones: Age 6 . Reading Rockets. https://www.readingrockets.org/article/literacy-

milestones-age-6.

Milestones for 6-Year-Olds | CS Mott Children’s Hospital | Michigan Medicine. (n.d.).

Www.mottchildren.org. https://www.mottchildren.org/health-library/ue5723

Morin, A. (2019, October 2). Everything You Need to Know About Your 6-Year-Old's

Development. Verywell Family. https://www.verywellfamily.com/6-year-old-

developmental-milestones-620703.

Rojas, Y. (2018, October 5). The Stages of Child Development: Children's Health Care.

Children's Health Care Newburyport and Haverhill, MA.

https://www.chcmass.com/2018/10/05/the-stages-of-child-development/.
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Snowman, J., & McCown, R. (2015). Psychology applied to teaching (14th ed.). Cengage

Learning.