Siren Films. Observing Child Development - Inspiring DVDs for early years & education

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• Marion Dowling, Author and Vice President of Early Education

Marion Dowling, Author and Vice President of Early Education

Quality of Film

This film is of extremely high quality and matches the very good standard of other Siren productions.

There are many beautiful pictures of Orson with his parents. In particular I liked the detailed and lingering images of Orson’s responses – these should really help less experienced practitioners to look for similar responses in babies they work with.

Tone, Sequence and Structure

The commentary is exactly right – Maria’s manner is friendly, enthusiastic and accessible. Useful information is given in a straightforward and unpatronising way and re-enforced in the booklet.

The film is organised in manageable units which makes it easy to follow. Each chapter is very well timed and exemplifies a stage in Orson’s life. What have we seen so far helps viewers to recap on main points – messages are clear and succinct.

The structure of the films allows us to trace the main aspects of Orson’s development very well indeed. Each insight into his emerging brain is exemplified. There is a really good balance between theory and practice.

Content

The film allows us to see Orson grow in front of our eyes. Each stage and aspect of his development unfolds and is picked up and explained.

The interrelated nature of development comes over very well and the underpinning need for the baby to receive attention, warmth and affirmation.

Some of the material on brain development is quite complex but the commentary explains difficult concepts extremely well and I was fascinated by stunning illustrations.

Orson’s mum and dad offer a model of parenthood and Maria demonstrates well how to use voice facial expression and touch when communicating with a young baby.

Some very important messages

There are so many ‘goodies’ in this film that it is difficult to identify the ‘best’ bits, but as a trainer I really warm to the following points.

• The homely environment is reassuring. Orson does not have an elaborate range of toys – his interest is aroused by everyday objects around him and his family are his playmates. This emphasis on personal social contacts is conveyed strongly.
• The essential need to get to know a baby’s signals in order to fully meet his needs (helpful example of dad ‘misreading’ Orson and then adjusting his response.)
• Everyday routines are crucial to help the baby sort out his world. In particular the need for consistency in order to help him build up a mental framework and make connections.
• Babies can easily become over-stimulated – this can cause stress and stressed babies cannot play or learn
• The need for time to allow the baby to try out each new experience. Babies need a long time to process information and make sense of it.
• Babies cannot manage their emotions – only an adult can do this for them. Experienced practitioners do this intuitively but those with less experience need to recognise their role in comforting and reassuring a young baby.

Audience

This film is relevant and important to a number of audiences.

• It would be wonderful to show prospective and new parents. Orson’s mum and dad are clearly ordinary people and they both demonstrate so well a relaxed and unpressurised approach to living with a new baby.

For practitioners at all levels. The rich material means that trainers could pitch this for both less and more experienced practitioners and for students. It also provides good background information for tutors.