Cultural Influence

Take the Cultural Inventory found in Unit 2 Lecture Topics Menu option. Introduce yourself by describing your social context and human development.

Social and Cultural aspects can have a profound impact on a child's learning. I found in Erikson’s theory, eight stages of development unfold as we go through life. At each stage, different developmental tasks confronts individuals with a crisis that must be resolved. According to Erikson, this crisis is not a catastrophe but a turning point marked by both increased vulnerability and enhanced potential. The more successfully an individual resolves the crises, the healthier development will be. (Crain p.281-305)

I am the second daughter in a family of 5 girls. My Father grew up in a loving household in North Dakota. He is the fifth child in in a family of 4 boys and 2 girls. His father graduated from from Iowa State College now University in 1913 with a degree in Agriculture. My Mother also grew up in a loving household in Illinois on a farm, she is the third child in a family of 3 boys and 4 girls.

I was raised in a large family as were my parents, my reading and library time was my fortress of solitude. I had built in friends and still remain good friends with all of my sisters. As my mother was an RN we rarely had soda in the house. Being a farm girl as well our meals were very healthy. Processed food was not something we had very much of. Sign of the times, microwaves were not invented till later in my life. Television was limited to one hour during the week and two on the weekends (another sign of the times). Education was of first and foremost importance and even though you might not like your teacher, he or she was to be respected.

I learned quite a bit from my large family. We all shared the love of reading. One of my hopes as a teacher is to share that love of reading. 

Social context and human development

Cultural Inventory

Cultural Self-Assessment I

• How many children are in the family in which you were born? 5
• What is your birth order? Second daughter
• What were some of the roles of the sons in your family? No sons. The daughters? Everything from babysitting, cooking, yard-work.

§  What is the education level of your parents? College and graduate school

• Your grandparents? College
• What language do your parents speak? English, French
• Your grandparents? French, German & English

Cultural Self- Assessment II

• What are the rules of your family regarding courtship and marriage? Be happy and choose with your heart.
• What special occasions do you family celebrate? Everything that can be celebrated, should be.
•  What special foods are prepared? Depends on what the occasion, if honoring someone then what their favorite food is.
• What is the birthplace of your parents? Mid West –USA
• Your grandparents? Mid West –USA
• To what culture do your parents belong? American Your grandparents?French/German/American