Paper Project: Childhood Objects, Games, and Developmental Shifts
In this essay, you will explore the connection between your favorite childhood object or game (up to age 10) and your developmental journey through puberty. This project will help you reflect on your early childhood experiences, analyze the impact of developmental changes, and connect them with developmental psychology theories.
Instructions:
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Childhood Object or Game:
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In approximately 150 words, describe an object or game that you loved before the age of 10.
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Reflect on why it was meaningful to you. Consider the social, emotional, cognitive, familial, and physical aspects that contributed to your enjoyment. For example, was it a game you played with friends? Did it provide a sense of comfort or creativity?
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Developmental Shifts:
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Analyze why you grew out of this object or game as you entered puberty.
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Discuss the developmental changes that occurred during this period, such as cognitive growth, changes in friendships, evolving family dynamics, physical development, or shifts in interests and identity. What factors contributed to the object or game no longer holding the same significance or interest?
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Theoretical Framework:
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Ground your analysis in developmental psychology theory and research. Incorporate concepts such as Piaget’s stages of cognitive development, Erikson’s psychosocial stages, or any other relevant theories that explain the developmental shifts you experienced. Use these theories to deepen your understanding of why certain childhood objects or games lose their appeal as we grow older.
Requirements:
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Your essay should be 3-5 pages in length, with clear connections to developmental psychology theory.
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Include at least two academic sources that discuss developmental psychology concepts relevant to your experience.
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Reflect on how the object or game shaped your early development and how your shifting interests align with typical developmental changes during adolescence.
A little about me & what object or game I think you could use/pick for this assignment for me:
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I really liked basketball and softball since like age 5 or 6 and played up until high school (pretty much all my life, it felt like); basketball was my favorite because of the fastness and physicalness of the sport; it was more fun to me. I also loved watching my brothers play growing up and still love to watch it now; it is the most fun to watch, in my opinion, because it is so fast-paced and intense. I haven’t played much anymore since graduation, although it will always be my favorite, and if I could find opportunities to play more, I would. I do, although I still play some slow-pitch softball and enjoy that.
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I was and still am a competitive person and have always loved being on a team and being a teammate. Playing sports impacted my life greatly; it taught me many lessons, created many friendships and memories for me, and helped mold me into the person I am today. I am very thankful for all the experiences playing sports gave me growing up.
(If possible, send it to me as a Google Docs pdf/form because I do not have Word)
(does not want us to use Al/ChatGPT)*****
(APA 7th Edition Citation)