ShareDocumenting the amazing development and learning that takes place in a baby's first year, this film follows one baby from birth to twelve months, concentrating on physical, social, emotional and cognitive development.
The commentary explains what's behind seemingly simple everyday events as we focus closely on the baby's actions and the interactions he has with his family. The way the brain develops is described and shown visually in an easily understood way.
The resulting film gives a really thorough understanding of development in the first year of life in a very absorbing way.
It is divided into the following sections:
Introducing Orson: 0 - 3 months
- What can Orson do at birth?
- How does experience help to shape the brain?
- Early experiences, care routines & socialising
- Communicating, babbling, smiling & copying
- What have we seen so far
Reaching Out: 4 - 7 months
- Strength, co-ordination, space & movement
- Interest in objects, reaching & grasping
- Feeding, new tastes & textures
- New noises, laughing, games & gestures
- Attachment, feeling safe & secure
- What have we seen so far
Exploring from a safe base: 8 - 12 months
- Myelination, emotions & learning
- Communication, joint attention & gesturing
- Object permanence, separation anxiety
- Gestures, social referencing & empathy
- Problem solving & schemas
- What have we seen so far
Interspersed with the documentary are brief interviews with Maria Robinson, adviser, author and lecturer in early care and development, and these highlight, discuss or explain a particular topic further.
The accompanying notes (31 pages) support and extend what can be seen in the film. They also include an over view of development within the three main sections, questions for reflection and a transcript of the commentary.
67 minutes
Links to EYFS principles:
- A Unique Child: 1.1, 1.3, 1.4
- Positive relationships: 2.1, 2.3, 2.4
- Enabling Environments : 3.2, 3.3
- Learning & Development : 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4
Dorothy Y Selleck, Author and Early Years Consultant
I think the film 'The Wonder Year' and booklet offer important new explanations in an accessible way of how brain development and experience are closely linked. The filming is so delicately done with absorbing episodes of interactions, a range of feelings and play where the camera really 'holds still' and allows us to look and listen to Orson. I am sure all tutors will find their favorite sequences to support their work in helping parents and students to reach a more detailed and empathetic understanding of children in their first year.
Penelope Leach, PH.D, Development Psychologist
The Wonder Year is superb, infant observation for everyone: hooray. Makers of reality TV about babies please note: this is 100% engrossing although it helps instead of hurting. I wish all pregnant parents could see this - and come to think of it, why can't they?
Early Years, Vol.29, No3., October 2009.
THE WONDER YEAR: FIRST YEAR DEVELOPMENT AND SHAPING THE BRAIN & ATTACHMENT AND HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT: This material is a set of two videos, accompanied by two manuals, focused on the amazing first year in children's life and their parents...
Valeska Grau Cardenas, Catholic University of Chile, July 2009
This material is a set of two DVDs, accompanied by two manuals, focused on the amazing first year in children's lives and on their parents, viewed through a particular baby and his family: Orson, his parents and brother.
Marion Dowling, Author and Vice President of Early Education
THE WONDER YEAR. This film is of extremely high quality and matches the very good standard of other Siren productions.
Community Practitioner July 09 Volume 82 Number 7
THE WONDER YEAR: FIRST YEAR DEVELOPMENT AND SHAPING THE BRAIN follows a newborn baby called Orson and his family through his first year of life in his home environment..it conveys how important his experiences are to brain development...
Early Years Update (Issue 58 May 2008)
THE WONDER YEAR follows the first 12 months in the life of a young baby, Orson, focusing on his physical, emotional, social and cognitive development.
Community Care
THE WONDER YEAR provides an interesting visual study of a baby's early development in a caring and emotionally warm family environment. It illustrates the importance of such a nurturing climate to support and promote a baby's general well-being.
Child Care
THE WONDER YEAR is a good tool for all childminders and parents of newborn babies, helping to educate and enlighten them about the input their baby needs. It covers aspects of the personal, social and emotional development stepping stone in the EYFS.
No Press.
Related Downloads
