Language Observation

This semester is my first experience being a teacher candidate and we were asked to observe the child’s learning. In the first situation, I started to focus on individual children’s observation. I divided into two situations with two different kids who is a fast learner and a slow learner.

Situation 1 The first child is a class monitor named Arfa and basically he is a fast learner student. He is actively participated in answering questions from teacher and giving opinions especially in storytelling. In one case, I shared a story about ‘A Rabbit and a Turtle’ in a class. I explained to them about the characteristics of a rabbit and a turtle. Suddenly Arfa stood up and jumped because he wanted to show how fast a rabbit walk and run. He also

This process includes any mental activity that makes representations symbol, categorizing, problem solving, design, fantasy and imagination. Language development refers to the children who can understand the word and use it to make sentences. In fact, mastering the language is one of the thought that counts.

Bruner (1975) and Vygotsky (1986), are the leading figures in the study of language and cognitive development stressed the importance of relationship between thought and language. Vygotsky mentioned language as a logical and analytical tool in thinking, while Bruner argues that language shapes our thoughts and thinking. Thus the relationship between language and cognitive development are closely related. Vygotsky also mentioned that the most effective learning is when teachers have the opportunity to interact with the children. When interacting with the children, teacher can change the intonation of language in slow speech rate so that they can easily understand the learning towards obtaining a good fluency.

Language and cognitive development occurs in the context of interaction, such as playing, studying, and reading. Hence, I try to interact between children in a class by storytelling through book or video.

By looking back at the two situations above explained that there are many ways that can enhance the children’s learning. In general, children are interested in storytelling whether in verbally or by showing video. In my opinion, these can identify the ways of children’s thinking and perspective by explaining the lessons of the story. They will know on moral judgement and reason better that associate with their daily life experiences. In addition, this opportunity can improve their language development while teaching them to be more cooperative, competitive and motivated in sharing their ideas.

Before I focus on the individual children’s observation, I would prefer to know their development as a whole and get to know them by asking open-ended questions. If you look back to the first situation, Arfa has a fast progress in learning. He can spell, and count including in adding and subtraction. Arfa easily answer the questions that are difficult for some children. Therefore, I try to give him lessons that are more challenging for him than other children. I gave him puzzles including with images. For example, completing the term ‘tree’ becomes ‘_r_e’ and finds the simultaneous image.