Really, thinking about the “whole child,” I believe that
there should be measurements taken: physical, cognitive, and social-emotional
development can all be measured in different ways. However, children should not
be compared to others, this is not a level “playing field” for comparison.
Doctor’s measure physical development with weight and height and educator’s
measure cognitive and social-emotional development through charts and progress
reports.
Looking at England and other English speaking nations, tend
towards the same measurements (in aspects of types of measurements) to show
progression throughout childhood. Many parts of the world measurement height
and weight to show growth in children physically. Childhood throughout the
world mirrors itself in general ideas. Culture will change but children will be
children.
Megan you are right we need to think of the children as individuals. Each child learns and grows at their own pace and we need to respect that instead of constantly putting pressure on them to live up to the printed standards. I just watched a news story where an athlete who was in junior high was sent home a note from the school that she was overweight. By no means was this child overweight or unhealthy in any way. We do not ever seems to look at children individually and base our findings specifically with their needs. It seems that we all hold these same opinions but when is there going to be change?
ReplyDeleteI saw this story on the news I was truly disturbed as what our schools are becoming. Educators are suppose to be mentors and promote positive development, pushing for self-confidence. This story is everything opposite of a positive environment for a child. I laugh at doctors formulas, in regards to BMI, according to those formulas I would be considered obese (I wear a size 6-8), when a doctor looks at me they understand, but still tell me I need to loose weight. It is extremely important to look at each child individually and assess accordingly.
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