One of the most interesting things I learned in this course was the concept of the "Whole" Child. This concept concentrates on the unity of three developmental areas: physical, intellectual/cognitive, and social/emotional. When combined, these three domains construct the "whole" child. As part of an assignment, I was given the opportunity to reflect on my childhood and discover a few of the different ways these developmental domains were nurtured during my early development.
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Had regular check-ups to ensure good health and development
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Parents took me to the park every other day for an hour to allow play that promoted gross motor development
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Colored with my mom and siblings which helped develop small motor skills
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Was provided with healthy, balanced diet that stimulated growth and development
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Was given vitamins to supplement any vitamin that was missing from my diet
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Bathed daily to ensure good hygiene
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Brushed and flossed to ensure healthy teeth
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Was provided with adequate clothing that kept me warm or cool depending on the climate
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Immunizations were kept current and up to date to reduce risk of getting sick
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Went to bed at <st1:time Hour="8" Minute="30">8:30</st1:time> every day to ensure quality sleep
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Watched educational television that stimulated my mental development and encouraged problem solving and critical thinking
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Mom read to me (when I couldn’t yet read) often which helped my language and speaking skills develop
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Parents and siblings helped with homework which helped me develop mentally
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Siblings challenged me with spelling tests and math quizzes which stimulated my intellect
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Read daily for fifteen minutes or more
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Interacted with people of all ages daily which provided me with intellectual flexibility
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Played Scrabble with siblings every week to stimulate thought and increase vocabulary
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Was bought toys that stimulated me mentally (i.e. 3-D puzzles)
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Parents answered my questions truthfully and encouraged inquisitiveness and curiosity
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Parents encouraged intellectual conversations that allowed me to recall things I had learned in school
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Went to the park every other day and interacted with new children which helped develop social skills
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Participated in after-school clubs like student council and peer tutoring which encouraged social development
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I was shown affection and was praised by both parents often
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Was told I was loved often
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Was taught to express my feelings in a positive manner which ensured emotional growth
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Was taught to show compassion and care for others which promoted emotional and social growth
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Grew up knowing a lot about my family’s culture and traditions which allowed me a healthy sense of self
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Was taught manners which allowed me to successfully surround myself with people happy to be around me
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Parents taught me to interact with people of all backgrounds and social levels which allowed me to develop socially
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Knew I could count on my parents for whatever reason which allowed me to be feel safe and emotionally secure
Author:
Maria Cisneros
Last modified:
9/13/2005 1:35 PM (EST)
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