Child Development Philosophy Statement
Directions:
For this assignment you are to write a 2-3 page essay double spaced with 12pt. font that
describes your philosophy in regards to child development. This philosophy will focus
specifically on issues related to physical, social & emotional and cognitive development.
Brainstorming:
Take the brainstorming worksheet and begin to flesh out those ideas with more precise
language and specific details. After working with children in your service learning setting
consider your interaction with the children, the information you have learned from your text
and the information you have gained from being actively involved in this course.
Consider the following in relation to child development
*Physical development
*Prenatal development
*Social & Emotional development
*Infants & Toddlers
*Cognitive development
*Early childhood
*Middle childhood
*Adolescence
Writing the Rough Draft:
Once you’ve brainstormed all your ideas on the worksheet, you want to begin to craft them into
a well-organized essay consisting of three parts.
Introduction – The introduction should be succinct and straightforward. It should sill include a
“grabber” and a thesis statement that encapsulates your overall philosophy. You may wish to
tell briefly why you are interested in working with children or what caused you to make the
decision to become an educator, social worker, nurse, etc. (if that is your desire).
Body – The body of your paper should consist of at least three well-developed paragraphs that
include the strongest points of your brainstorming efforts; these ideas should be logically
organized and connected.
Conclusion – Your conclusion is usually a short paragraph with a clincher that refers back to your
attention-getter. Reference it; respond again to its significance, etc.
Mechanics:
Pulling the three parts of your essay together to ensure clarity and fluent reading for the
reader takes time. Word choice is crucial. Use professional and college-level vocabulary
that displays your understanding of child development. You should “sound” sophisticated and
intelligent between the lines of your writing. Sentences must be clear and direct, but not
boring or monotonous. Avoid fragments and run-ons, and be certain what you say is understood
by someone who knows nothing about you or your philosophy.
J. Peterson/Child Dev/Philosophy Guidelines/S11
Editing:
All writers get feedback on their work before they publish it for other people to read. You will
need to obtain two types of editing:
1. Visit CGCC’s Writing Center for revisions and editing - on your own, obtain writing
center stamp and write down any suggestions they have for improvements
2. In-class peer-editing session on THURSDAY, APRIL 14th. You must be present at
this class session to receive these editing points. You are to bring ONE hard copy of
your word processed 2-3 page philosophy statement to class on this day for peer
feedback.
**You will use these editing session to make improvements to your philosophy. You will also turn
in these drafts with your final philosophy statement.
Preparing the final draft:
Make whatever revisions and corrections are appropriate. An “A” paper has NO errors in
spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar, usage, etc. Spell check. Then proofread.
Have someone else eyeball it for errors or typos. For this assignment you will turn in:
1. Brainstorming worksheet
2. Writing Center draft (WITH the stamp from the center)
3. Peer edited draft from in-class session
4. Final Philosophy Statement
5. Self-evaluation of your philosophy on the rubric
Grading Criteria:
A grading rubric is attached that will show you exactly what quality you must match for
whatever grade you wish to receive. Use this rubric as a self-check once or twice during the
process of planning and preparing. Then prior to handing in the final draft self-evaluate on the
rubric by selecting the appropriate standard for each trait. Highlight the rubric section for
each area that you feel most closely represents the quality of your work. Give yourself a
final letter grade on the top of the rubric.
Point Breakdown for Child Development Philosophy
1. Brainstorming
_____15 points
2. Writing Center Edited Draft
_____20 points
*must include date, signature, and suggestions for improvement. You must also MAKE IMPROVEMENTS!
3. Peer Edited Draft:
In class on
_____ 10 points
*must bring a “clean” copy of philosophy to class for peer edits
*have at least 3 peers from Child Development edit, sign, date, and provide
suggestions for improvement – must be completed during class session.
4. Final Statement:
_____ 100 points
5. Self-evaluation on Rubric:
_____ 5 points
**Turn in ALL items listed above (as a package deal) THURSDAY April 28th.
J. Peterson/Child Dev/Philosophy Guidelines/S11