What is Holism?
Holism comes from the Greek word "holos," which is translated to mean all or total. The word "holistic" is identified as meaning looking at something as a whole, rather than in separate parts. This approach is often linked to health, where the patient may be treated holistically, thus looking into mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.
Looking at Children Holistically – Factors Affecting Child Development
Looking at children from a holistic approach, requires the early years professional to take into account a wide variety of different factors, which all have an impact upon their growth and development. Key factors affecting child development, include the following:
- income
- family – nuclear, extended, lone-parent
- parental education
- access to health care, education, health promotion
- social interaction – other relationships
- immunization status
- housing
- child-rearing style, emotional tone
References: Retrieved from:
Read more at Suite101:
Holism: The Holistic Approach to Child Development | Suite101.com http://kate-le-page.suite101.com/holism-the-holistic-approach-to-child-development-a295674#ixzz1m8co2qrY
Genetic Testing In China:
In China with the help of science and the Shanghai Biochip Corporation they have developed a new genetic DNA testing to test IQ's in children. Parents can pay $880.00 to have their children spend five days in a summer camp that will test their abilities in various areas such as Art and Sports along with the genes from their DNA. In the hope of retrieving information on their future abilities and IQ's. "The test is conducted by the Shanghai Biochip Corporation. Scientists claim a simple saliva swab collects as many as 10,000 cells that enable them to isolate eleven different genes. By taking a closer look at the genetic codes, they say they can extract information about a child's IQ, emotional control, focus, memory, athletic ability and more". While I do stand by the belief in the "Whole Child", I'm not sure if I agree with this scientific notion of using DNA testing to try and measure a child's IQ and future physical abilities. And the main reason for that is because I feel that there are so many other things that can still have an impact on a child's future development such as personal relationships and life experiences.
References: Retrieved from:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/08/03/china.dna.children.ability/
Oh, My! Talk about scary! I would hate to think that a child's potential was measured purly by genetics. I totally agree with you that genetics can only go so far in the quest for future success indicators since genes are only partially responsible for outcome - so much depends on the culture and environment in which the child is raised. I wonder if they are looking at parental DNA in order to compare or if they have a data base of comparative samples. If they are sampling parents, what happens if the child is adopted?
ReplyDeleteWonderful post! Very thought provoking!
Sylvia,
ReplyDeleteI hope this note of appreciation doesn't get lost in the transit of an earlier post.
You share some very insightful information in your discussion and posts. I appreciate your perspective on the information we have learned. I look forward to meeting you again in future courses here at Walden. Thanks again,