Comparing Theories of Development

http://www.muskingum.edu/~psych/psycweb/history/piaget.htm
http://www.childstudy.net/tutorial.php
http://ibs.derby.ac.uk/~steve/devpsy/seminar1.html

These Web sites explore the classic theories of human development of Piaget, Freud, Mahler, and Erikson. They also present a review of the significant events of the first years of life, with references to what the various theories say are going on at those times. Consult these sites to help you with the following task:

You have decided to open a summer camp for kids from 18 months to 18 years of age. Your advertising campaign is based on your intention to provide activities that are both socially and intellectually stimulating. To design activities that will be appropriate for children of different ages, you decide to follow the stages theories of development of Piaget and Erikson.

Your task in this exercise is to imagine the viewpoint of campers at various stages of cognitive and psychosocial development. For the moment, set aside what you think about the intellectual abilities and social needs of children of various ages and try to identify with the unique ways in which they experience the world. Then describe at least two stimulating activities for each of the following age groups: 18 months, 5 years, 8 years, 12 years, 18 years.