Aug. '09 - Imelda Graham, Diving into the Child's World

Submitted by Yvonne Cullivan on Thu, 20 Aug 09

Diving into the Child's World

by Imelda Graham

About the Author

Imelda Graham has worked in the field of childcare, training, research and lecturing for nearly 25 years. She currently works with leading children’s charity Barnardos. Imelda has concentrated her work in the area of disadvantage, and has worked extensively with both children and adults in many community settings around Ireland. Her current role involves liaising with and developing training programmes for different organisations in the childcare sector, both in the areas of direct work with children and in staff support and development. She completed an M.Phil in the area of the development of non-profit professional associations, and is committed to supporting ongoing continual professional development as an essential element of quality work with children.

We asked Imelda Graham to share her knowledge of the stages of child-development with us. This essay provides a brief insight into the various stages and we hope it provides additional knowledge for artists working with children and young people. The views expressed within this essay are the author's personal opinions.

Introduction

“On the Ning Nang Nong

Where the Cows go Bong

And the Monkeys all say Boo!

There’s a Nong Nang Ning

Where the Trees go Ping

And the Tree tops Jibber Jabber Joo

On the Nong Ning Nang all the mice go clang

And you just can’t catch them when they do!

So its Ning Nang Nong

The Cows go Bong

Nong Nang Ning