CODEL ASSIGNMENT COVER

2023 ACADEMIC YEAR

Student Name Hertha Namutenya Muronga
Student number 219363945
Email Address herthaprecious89@gmail.com
Cell/Tel no 0818610136
CODeL Centre Rundu Centre

Course/Module Name Course/Module

Code
Child Development PSP 3622

Assignment no (e.g. 1,
2 or 3, etc.).
1
Question 1
Future teachers need knowledge and information about the development of children because it
helps them to understand how children grow, learn and develop throughout their childhood. This
knowledge helps teachers to create effective learning environments, identify the strengths and
weaknesses of each child and tailor their teaching methods accordingly. Understanding child
development helps teachers to recognize developmental delays and take appropriate steps to
support children's learning. This knowledge is also important in establishing positive
relationships with parents, identifying potential sources of stress, and addressing behavioral
problems that may arise during the learning process.

Question 2

The microsystem: Includes the immediate environment in which the child lives and interacts
with, such as family, peers, school, and community. It is the most influential and direct
environment affecting the child's development.

The mesosystem: Includes the relationships and interactions of the child between the different
settings in the microsystem. For example, how the family interacts with school, and how the
peers interact with parents.

The exosystemic: Includes the network of external settings such as the media, government
policies, and the workplace setting that indirectly affects the child's development.

The chronosystem: Includes the changes over time that can impact child development, such as
historical events, life transitions, and familial changes.

The macrosystem: Includes the broader cultural, societal, and economic systems in which the
child lives, such as political and economic policies, social institutions, and cultural traditions.
Question 3

Phases of child development refer to the different stages or periods that a child goes through as
they grow and develop. For example, infancy, toddlerhood, childhood, adolescence, and young
adulthood. Each phase is characterized by specific developmental milestones and physical,
cognitive, social and emotional changes.

Domains of child development refer to the different aspects or areas of development that a child
undergoes, including physical, cognitive, social and emotional development. Physical
development includes the development of gross and fine motor skills necessary for physical
activities. Cognitive development includes the development of memory, attention, language, and
problem-solving skills. Social development includes the development of social skills, such as
communication, cooperation, and empathy. Emotional development includes the development of
emotions, self-awareness, and self-regulation.

Question 4

4.1. Covid-19 can affect the physical, social and emotional development of children. For
example, prolonged isolation and quarantine can lead to social withdrawal and anxiety. Virtual
learning can lead to inactivity, which can affect the child's physical development. Fear, stress and
trauma associated with Covid-19 can impact the child's emotional and mental health.

4.2. Insufficient rainfall can affect the physical development of children by leading to inadequate
supply of water and food, which can lead to malnutrition and stunted growth. It can also affect
the cognitive development of children by inhibiting their ability to attend school and learn, due to
lack of basic resources such as textbooks and study materials. Socially, it can cause displacement
of people from their homes, leading to instability, and emotional distress, particularly in children
who may feel the effects of displacement more acutely.
4.3. War and political unrest can have significant negative impacts on the physical, cognitive,
social and emotional development of children. Physically, children may become malnourished or
experience injury or illness due to the violence and displacement. Cognitively, children may
have difficulty concentrating in school or experience delays in their education due to interrupted
schooling. Socially, children may experience stigma or discrimination due to their ethnicity,
religion, or nationality. Emotionally, children may experience stress, anxiety, depression or post-
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the trauma of war and displacement.

4.4. Alcohol and drug use can significantly impact physical, cognitive, social and emotional
development. Physically, drug and alcohol use can impair brain development and increase the
risk of chronic health conditions. Cognitively, it can impair cognitive functioning and memory,
and affect decision-making abilities. Socially, it can lead to social isolation and impact
relationships with peers and family members. Emotionally, it can lead to mood disorders,
depression, and anxiety.

4.5. Child trafficking and rape can have severe and long-lasting negative impacts on the physical,
cognitive, social, and emotional development of children. Physically, children may experience
injuries, sexually transmitted infections, substance abuse, and violence. Cognitively, they may
develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and difficulty with memory
and concentration. Socially, they may experience stigma and discrimination and struggle with
trust and intimacy in their relationships. Emotionally, they may experience trauma, shame, and
low self-esteem.
Question 5

5.1. Growth refers to the physical changes that occur in a child's body, including height, weight,
bone development, and muscle mass (Grewal, 2019).

5.2. Development refers to the overall changes in a child, including physical, cognitive, social,
and emotional, that occur over time. Development also includes the way individuals learn,
perceive, and interact with the world around them (Mash & Wolfe, 2019).

5.3. Maturation refers to the inherent process of growth and development in a child that occurs
naturally over time, irrespective of environmental factors (Papalia, Feldman, & Martorell, 2015).

5.4. Critical period refers to a specific window of time during which certain abilities or
characteristics must develop if they are to develop at all or develop to their full potential. For
example, the critical period for language development is during early childhood (Berk, 2017).

5.5. Attachment refers to the emotional bond that develops between a child and their caregivers,
which is essential for the child's well-being and development. Attachment allows children to
develop a sense of security, self-esteem, and self-confidence, and also promotes their social and
emotional development (Bowlby, 1969).
 References

Berk, L. E. (2017). Development through the lifespan (7th ed.). Boston: Pearson. Bowlby, J.
(1969). Attachment and loss, vol. 1: Attachment. London: Hogarth Press. Grewal, J. (2019).
Growth and development assessment. Retrieved from
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/916007-overview#a7 Mash, E. J., & Wolfe, D. A.
(2019). Abnormal child psychology (7th ed.). Boston: Cengage Learning. Papalia, D.E.,
Feldman, R.D., & Martorell, G. (2015). Experience human development. (13th ed.). New York:
McGraw-Hill Education.