Erick Erickson

Erick Erickson is referred as a socioemotional theorist who came up with these eight stages of human development. I am having a some trouble making deep connections with some of the stages so I going to hash everything out, right here, right now and maybe there will be some learning going on lol!

The first one is Autonomy vs. Shame and doubt  ( 1 yr to 2 yrs )
Question: First thing is I don't know what Autonomy means.  I have a niece around the same age so I already reflect upon her for this stage so if i can figure out autonomy that might help.

Response: Autonomy means "one who gives oneself their own law"  (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autonomy).

This is definitely a characteristic I see developing within my niece, so is talking more, exploring with her environment and developing her personality based on what she observes from the family. Also she is really not likinng be told "no" and it is true, she either fightsd back against be told no, or lowers her head in shame fo rdoing something that she was not suppose to do. Interesting?
   
The second is Initiative vs. Guilt ( 3yrs to 5 yrs )
Question:  The child starts to take responsibility for putting away their toys, and taking care of their belonging's, but what if they don't.

Response: Erickson states that this stage happens when the child already has the foundation of trust and autonomy. So I am going to conclude that when a child can trust that the environment we live in is a safe and loving one we can value and take care of things in our lives. On the flip side when we lose that trust the things in our lives that we value and care for fall to the waist side.

At this stage of my learning and understanding I agree with Erickson's stages and concepts, which will help me to understand why some of my future students are acting the way they do. It is just another teaching tool to help you connect with your children.