Analyzing Erikson's Theories Of Development

People have been studying and developing theories over development for a very long time. Erik Erikson was a theorist that helped open the world of physiological development. Erikson was born June 15, 1902. Erikson was a developmental psychologist. Erikson’s theory is known as the stages of psychological development. At Barfield Early Childhood Center I see the stage Initiative vs guilt (ages 3-5). In this stage a child is learning a new emotion, guilt. They begin to learn right from wrong and good or bad. From my observations at Barfield Early Childhood Center, I conclude that Erikson’s theory is correct.
In the initiative vs guilt stage children should begin to become curious. Children at this stage should start to ask questions, and assert
Another teacher in my class offered to help Maddie, but Maddie didn’t want help she wanted to peel the backing off all by herself. This is an example of a child becoming more independent and asserting that she didn’t need or want help. In this stage children should also begin to work well with others, and start to make up games and plans. Ethan F age 4 and Gavin age 4, two children in my class at Barfield Early Childhood Center often play firemen and pretend to put out fires around the classroom. Another thing you should see in this stage is children completing tasks for a reward or for a purpose. For example a child in my, Gavin who is 4 years old, sometimes doesn’t like to work. To get him to do his work we take a toy and set it in front of him telling him he can have it, but only if he works hard. By doing this we gave Gavin a sense of purpose, that the only way to get what he wants is to do his work. While children asking many questions is part of the development, I did not see a lot of verbal questions, because the class I was paired
One way teachers can help stimulate this stage of development is by allowing the kids to have time to independently play with others without teacher influence. At Barfield my classroom's schedule has a time slot for nothing but creative play. As I watched the kids in my class I’ve seen the kids struggle during group time, but when it’s time for free play the kids get along with each other, and I get to see them make up games and play pretend. Just something as simple as letting a child peel off a sticker back without help can stimulate the initiative vs. guilt stage. Parents as well as teachers can help their child's development. Parents can aid in the initiative vs. guilt stage by letting children play with other without stepping in even if there is a fight. Even though some say that not stepping in during conflict is bad, it really isn’t. By not stepping in the children have to learn to solve problem on their own, and learn that mommy and daddy won’t always be there to rescue them.
Erikson’s theory on development is correct. Everything I have seen at Barfield Early Childhood center has followed Erikson’s theory. From Derick and his violent outburst, to refusing help because she wanted to do it herself. Everything I have seen at the center has if not directly, then very closely followed the theory. Even though I didn’t see all of the signs that Erikson's theory said should happen, I conclude that his theory