Reflective Journal Entry #1

Description: This week in The Sociology of Childhood, by William Corsaro, the author discusses how children in our culture have been marginalized, the deterministic and constructivist model, interpretive reproduction, and children's cultures. 

Analysis: The Deterministic Model believes the child is essentially taken over and submerged in their society and culture. The child is molded to become an active member of society (Corsaro, 2015).  The Functionalist model focuses on having children keep information by the parent actually doing something to help ensure internalization (Corsaro, 2015). Reproductive Models suggest that there are advantages to growing up in more well developed social-classes and contribute to early childhood education. The constructivist model focuses on well known sociologists Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky. 

Interpretive reproduction theories explain the act of interpretive play with children. For example, children are soaked in everyday language and activities of the adults around them. Children learn by reproducing actions and language from adults in a playful way (Corsaro, 2015). 

The "as-if assumption" also helps in early child development because treating children and infants as if they understand ultimately allows the child to discover routines, social norms, and participate in society (Corsaro, 2015). 

Reflection: To me, this means that I should expect some of my 5th graders to act "grown". They are interpreting their world around them and ultimately growing as a child learner in their society. I learned the importance of treating infants "as-if". Even if they may not exactly understand the language or concepts, they are at least getting an opportunity to be involved in social situations. Concerning my classroom, it makes me think about allowing my 5th graders the opportunity to branch out more with their learning and treat them more "as-if" they are capable of expanding their own education more deeply. One way I may handle one of these ideas or situations differently would be with the interpretive play. Allowing my students to play as if they are interpreting what the see from adults around them (high poverty environments and cultures) means I also need to explain to them the difference in playing that way in school versus out of school. Some interpretative reproductions are inappropriate for school. 

References

Corsaro, W.A. (2015). The Sociology of Childhood (4th Ed). Los Angles, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.