8-week seminar, starting October 17th, 2017 and going through December 5th, 2017.
Moderator: Fred Bogin
Day and Time: Tuesday 10:00AM-Noon
Format: Seminar
Location: Rockridge Retirement Community Library, Northampton
(free parking on site)
We will study some key concepts of the ages and stages of child development, from infancy through adolescence, to better understand normal (“typical”) development, important concepts like temperament, and several of the more common developmental disorders.
How did that sweet 10 month old grandson become a 16 month old terror? Why is my lovely 13 year old granddaughter suddenly rolling her eyes and saying “whatever”? What makes my 3 year old autistic grandson shriek as if in pain when Aunt Mary tries to hug him? How can the concept of temperament help us better understand (and help) our grandchildren? Our survey will include: infancy, toddler, preschool, school age, and adolescent development. It will not be a comprehensive study of all aspects of child development, but rather an overview of the key themes, milestones, and potential causes for concern associated with each of the above stages. We shall also devote one session each to ADHD/learning disorders, and autism. The emphasis of our seminar will be to bring greater joy to our role as grandparents and help us become more loving, understanding, and helpful nanas and papas.
Role of participants:
Participants will research: one developmental stage, or developmental disability like ADHD, learning disabilities, or autism, from a list the moderator will provide. Each participant will present the results of his/her research (approximately 30 minutes), followed by discussion. These presentations will review, for example: major themes of a stage (e.g. autonomy and negativism typical of toddlers); developmental milestones across different domains (cognitive, speech-language, fine and gross motor); and possible developmental “red flags”. Participants are encouraged to read about each week’s topic.
Resources:
All or most participant research can be done online. A list of some standard child development texts available at local libraries will be provided. There is no required purchase of texts. I shall also suggest some optional reading/resources such as: the Gesell Institute series of books (e.g., Your One Year Old); The Magic Years by Selma Fraiberg; and one or more books by T Berry Brazelton such as Infants and Mothers. I may also distribute some hard copies of brief, but useful, readings.
About the Moderator:
Fred is a retired pediatrician with subspecialty expertise in developmental-behavioral pediatrics. The last 15 years of his career he taught medical students and pediatric residents about general pediatrics and developmental-behavioral pediatrics. He previously moderated a well-received seminar on Alternative Medicine.
Maximum number of participants: 17
Emeritus/a accepted: yes, up to 2