Introduction to social development

1. Introduction to social development LO: to explore how social development changes through the life stages.

2. A1: Physical development across the life stages A2: Intellectual development across the life stages Topic A - Human Growth and Development through Life Stages A3: Emotional development across the life stages A4: Social development across the life stages

3. Topic A4 - Social Development across the Life Stages Social development means the learning of interacting socially with other individuals in both family and society. Social development means different things across the life span, there are also cultural considerations as to the way individuals engage in social relationships throughout life span. • How can these cultural considerations impact our social development? • Race and racial stereotypes • Parenting styles (conformity and obedience) • Ways of living Cultural considerations include; attitudes values beliefs and behaviours shared by a group of people Social development gives the opportunities and skills to enable people to develop relationships. Sharing/ turn taking Communication Body language Compromise Social cues

4. Topic A4 - Social Development across the Life Stages The stages of play, in infancy and early childhood Children learn and practise basic social skills through play. They develop a sense of self, learn to interact with other children, how to make friends and how to role play. Piaget discussed the importance of play for learning and development. • Solo (solitary) Play • When infants play independently is known as solo (solitary) play. • This starts in infancy and provides a variety of learning opportunities for infants, allowing them to explore the environment at their own pace. • This allows infants/children to learn by their own mistakes and increases their self esteem.

5. Topic A4 - Social Development across the Life Stages • Parallel play • Between the ages of 2-3 infants move on from solo play to playing alongside others. • They do not yet share and take turns. • The child is engrossed in their own world /independent activity. • They have no interest in the others around them • However, although infants may appear not to interact with other infants and older children, they do show an interest in what other children are doing and still like to be in the presence of adults and other children. The stages of play, in infancy and early childhood

6. Topic A4 - Social Development across the Life Stages • Co-operative play • Between 3-8 years children develop a wider social network and form relationships with their peers and other adults. • They become more cooperative in their play, helped by their language development. • By the age of seven, most children have established a number of important friendships and others may refer to one friend as their ‘best friend’ • Play is essential for communication skills, negotiating roles and beginning to understand the feelings of others. The stages of play, in infancy and early childhood

7. Hints and tips: Consider the importance of senses for infants when they are absorbed in solo play (sensorimotor stage) and of symbolic play and language for children during cooperative play (pre-operational stage)

8. Topic A4 - Social Development across the Life Stages Importance of Friendships and Friendship Groups Social benefits of friendships Mind-map all of the social benefits of having friendships, from each of your points give examples • Encouragement in: • Avoiding excessive drinking or junk food • Take regular exercise Practical help to cope with traumatic events Healthy lifestyle • Job loss • Serious illness • Bereavement • Relationship breakdown Social benefits of friendships Emotional • Friendship groups can: • Help people avoid loneliness • provide a sense of belonging • Self worth and self-confidence • Reduce levels of stress and depression • Boost happiness Explain why friendships take a back seat when people get older • Changing interests or circumstances • Career and home commitments • Caring for children or vulnerable parents • Friendships could grow apart

9. Topic A4 - Social Development across the Life Stages Importance of Friendships and Friendship Groups Effects of peer pressure on social development During adolescence, young people become more independent, socialising outside the family and gaining more freedom. Peer groups play an important part in this stage of social development and begin to have a greater influence on values, views and opinions. Peer pressure refers to the influence members of a peer group can have on an individual Identify 5 forms/types of peer pressure Explain how peer pressure can be emotionally challenging Explain how peer pressure can impact the relationship teenagers have with their parents

10. DevelopingRelationships with Others Developing relationships with others Friendship between young children is very different from friendship between older children, adolescents or adults. As children mature and start to think beyond their own needs and are able to see the world from other people’s viewpoints, they become able to develop meaningful relationships. Relationships with others may be informal or formal Informal relationships develop within families and significant people in individual’s lives. Informal relationships promote a positive self-concept that prepares adolescents and adults for developing intimate relationships that show mutual respect. Formal relationships develop between people who are not related or friends, for instance between colleagues or between teacher and pupil. Formal relationships do not involve emotional attachments but are important to social development. They demand different skills,

11. Social development through the life stages Highlight the key social changes made through each life stage. List the key terms identified in each life stage under each life stage heading

12. Social development through the life stages Highlight the key social changes made through each life stage. List the key terms identified in each life stage under each life stage heading

13. Development of Independence through the Life Stages Task Sheet 1 and 2 Activity – Independent Task For each of the following stages: • Infancy and childhood • Adolescence (peer influence) • Young adulthood (starting employment, leaving home, starting a family) • Middle adulthood • Older adulthood Describe the changes in independence and provide examples. These can be positive and negative, that may occur at that life stage. Add these notes onto your A3 fact sheets Activity – Independent Task There are a range of aids available to maintain their independence example mobility and sensory aids. Find out what aids are available for older people and how they can be accessed.

14. Homework: Applying the PIES