Introduction: Image of the Child in Social, Cultural, and Historical Contexts

In contemporary education image of child and perspectives on learning and development profoundly gets impacted via cultural, social and historical factors. Childhood has been portrayed as a period of play and innocence; the experience of children has been shaped in varied ways that are impacted by social, cultural and historical factors (Burman, 2020). Further, developmental procedure gets influenced through values, beliefs and experience. The present essay will focus on own perception based on the image of child along with highlighting the contextual components that effects child image. Furthermore, essay will present an in-depth analysis on the ways in which social, cultural and historical factors develop significant impact on the child development and learning. Furthermore, influence of these contextual factors on teaching practice will be described by linking discussion with socio-cultural theory and philosophical perspectives.

Main Body

The idea related to “image of child” acknowledging the beliefs possessed by educators and other individuals regarding child. Social cultural and historical factors profoundly impacting child image and their experiences which further contributes in growth and development of children. From the research it has been witnessed that social comparison proves to be a fundamental aspect within human nature and it further starts in early stage (Duchesne and McMaugh, 2018). Children has been exposed to wide array that plays essential role in impacting self-perception of child and contributes in shaping their behavioural pattern. The relationship between the social comparison and child image creates philosophical influence on the emotional well-being and self-esteem of child. The image is linked with the learning developmental procedure which complies with social factors. It involves family structure, societal norms, and socioeconomic status. For example, children who belongs from the affluent families have access towards better educational resources which further impact different learning outcomes. Peer interaction playing important role in shaping the behavioural pattern of children, relationship with peers encourage children to increase their engagement within classroom.

Existentialism philosophical theory focusing on individual existence choice and freedom that is further impacting the image of child and their learning procedure. Existentialist educators possess strong opinions with regards to personal choice and self-determination within learning procedure. in accordance with this theory children should be given an opportunity to explore the world so their confidence can be increased to greater extent (Pennekamp, 1987). This theory argues and states that children should not be forced to conform standardised curriculum, instead of this they should be given an opportunity for exploring their passions and interest as this contributes in building their own image.

Cultural factors are comprised with beliefs, values, customs playing vital role in shaping the behaviour and image of child. For instance- in some culture children are expected for contributing in their household chores from young age and this influences their developmental procedure to greater note (Burman, 2020). This led to develop positive sense of identity, it is important to create a sense of belongingness in children and when educators focus on cultural competence then it results in motivating children. Thus, there is no doubt in stating that culture is playing important role in influencing the attitude and expectations towards children. It is important for educators that they understand the importance of culture so that diversity can be promoted in the classroom within developing an inclusive environment. Vygotsky proposed sociocultural theory of cognitive development which depicts that social interaction playing vital role in development of the cognition. In accordance with this theory, community is accountable for increasing the engagement of children (Shahar and Galai, 2023). The theory focuses on the influence of culture and social interaction on the child learning and development. Zone of Proximal Development [ZPD] highlights the difference between the context when children get assistance and when they do not get support or assistance (Sociocultural theory, 2023).

The concept signifies about the importance of collaborative learning and its role in children development (Sociocultural theory, 2023). The image of the child and their learning and development influenced through different factors and therefore, it is important to employ significant focus on all of these factors. Historical factors, events and periods lead to shape the image of child and it also impacts their learning procedure (Landi and Pintus, 2022). Historically, the image of child has been vacillated from viewing them as an inherently flawed, during industrial revolution children were seen as labours and this specifically impacted the education and development procedure of children. In cultural context, different societal values shaping the child image, indigenous cultures are further viewed as an integral part within the community and their learning has been shaped through cultural practices via organising storytelling activities within classroom (Emerson and Linder, 2021). If children are growing up in an unsupportive family environment, then, it becomes difficult to understand and learn new things which are important while undertaking independent decision. On the other hand, children who are exposed towards diverse experiences has higher self-esteem and confidence and this enable them to face huge challenges.

Cultural background provides basis and sense to children so they can identify their uniqueness and it further impacts children custom, beliefs and attitudes. Different culture possesses different attitude towards education and this lead to create motivation for children while engaging in learning process (Ghasemtabar, 2022). Peer groups, family dynamics and community playing vital role in influencing the learning development and performance of students. Thus, there is no doubt in stating that cultural and social factors shape the behavioural pattern of children and supports them in becoming independent. In Early Childhood Education [ECE] it is important to focus on the cultural competence component so that sense of belongingness can be developed within children. Their cultural values should be prioritised to greater extent and effectual support should be provided to them which lead to contribute in their image (Arizpe and Styles, 2023). 

The Reggio Emilia approach encompassing progressive ideas related to children and learning. One of the important components that aligns with the approach concerned with recognising children as an individual learner. In accordance with this approach, children must have control over their learning process. For example- children learns many languages in drama, music and arts, they must be encouraged while exploring the experience such as listening, touching, moving and observing (Ghasemtabar, 2022). This makes them independent and further contributes in enhancing their learning procedure. The key features of the Reggio Emilia approach concerned with recognising children has own rights and they are seen as capable who have full potential (Reggio Emilia Approach, 2023). This approach sees each child as unique and they have their own potential that contributes in taking decision-making. The role of children within classroom is concerned constructing their own knowledge and skills through exploring collaboration and self-expression.

The hands-on approach is delineated as hands-on curriculum in which children learn and develop via exploring their interest. It is important to encourage children curiosity and independence through education philosophy and children should be given opportunity to explore their interest. The emphasis has been made on child interest and accordingly activities are designed in the classroom which provides consistent support to children. Teacher needs to play alongside with children for fostering their interest, this led to develop sense of belongingness in them and further enhances their understanding and learning. The learning procedure has been guided by student interest, voice and agency which is crucial for enhancing the interest of children. This supports in gaining the trust of children and further their learning power can be enhanced to greater note (Arizpe and Styles, 2023). The Reggio Emilia approach provide chance to children so they identify their own interest and accordingly, activities within the classroom has been organised which is an essential element in contributing in image of child (Reggio Emilia Approach, 2023).

One of the focal points related to Reggio Emilia philosophy is associated with image of a child. This significantly means that each child has their own unique image which has been developed through series of experience and therefore, it is highly important to provide opportunities to children so they can explore learning procedure and this lead to contribute in enhancing the developmental procedure of children (Reggio Emilia Approach, 2023). Educators who are using this approach believes that children should have control over their learning and it complies with EYLF Outcome “Children are confident and involved learners”. This outcome states that when children have been given opportunity to express their learning then this lead to enhance their confidence and further increases their participation. Similarly, Reggio Emilia approach believes in providing opportunities to children so they can identify own ways of learning and further it motivates them to enhance their developmental procedure.

Thus, there is no doubt in stating that this approach contributes in developing perception regarding image of child. By adopting this approach, effectual environment within classroom can be developed that contributes in enhancing the development of children and further enhances their learning procedure to greater extent (Arizpe and Styles, 2023). Moreover, a diverse culture can be promoted in the classroom which fosters cultural competence and motivates children to increase their engagement in varied activities. Accordingly, play-based learning can be developed in the classroom and consistent support could be ensured to each child. This approach also focuses on promoting inclusion which is an important component in gaining the trust of child and therefore, this must be implied for developing sense of belongingness in children.

I will incorporate Vygotsky sociocultural theory in future teaching practices as this will enable me to develop interaction with children and accordingly, effectual collaboration within classroom can be assured. This will result in cognitive development of children and further enhance their developmental procedure to greater note. Furthermore, incorporation of Reggio Emilia approach in future practices contributes in shaping educational environment that focuses on respecting the perspectives of children and further foster their potential (Reggio Emilia Approach, 2023). I will view each child as unique and encourage them to take participation in the activities. My core motive would be making children independent and fostering them to show their uniqueness and creativity. Thus, this lead to create effectual support for children and further develops unique image for each child. This approach supports me in developing an inclusive environment where children can feel valued and this further enhances their interest to greater extent. I will focus on observing children and accordingly, their learning would be improved. Moreover, I am going to prioritise the cultural competence and consequently, diversity would be promoted. Thus, in this manner I will focus on improving own teaching practices which is crucial for enhancing learning and development of child. I aim to undertake holistic approach within the setting and accordingly over-all development of children will be focused out. No discrimination among the children will be done and an inclusive environment will be developed. Hence, in this manner I would be able to support uniqueness of each child along with increasing their engagement in the classroom.

Conclusion

Conclusively; this can be said that image of child gets influenced through variety of factors such as social, cultural and historical factors. These components further contribute in informing educational practices. The sociocultural theory of Vygotsky states that child development can be fostered through their social interactions and therefore, it is important to develop social interaction with children. Furthermore, Reggio Emilia approach sees each child in unique manner and motivates them to develop own interest in learning. Henceforth, there is no doubt in stating that, it is important to focus on individual learning needs so that effectual environment within the classroom can be developed. These insights can be integrated in future and this lead to inform own teaching practices. Hence, by focusing on the unique image of child support can be ensured to them and their learning can be fostered to greater note. Thus, it is important to imply focus on this area so that cultural values and beliefs of children can be promoted and their learning can be enhanced to significant note.