Developing Child, The SERIES

1978, Total Running Time 56 Minutes (4 x episodes)

Made for the International Year of the Child in 1978, this series is designed for parents and all those concerned with the care and upbringing of young children.

Created in consultation with Derek LLewellyn-Jones (Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Sydney) and Alan Hayes (from the School of Behavioural Sciences at Macquarie University), the four films cover numerous aspects of child development from pregnancy to pre-school and show how parents can assist in the process.

Pregnancy and Birth (17 mins) An introductory film aimed at increasing awareness among intending parents of the physical changes and psycho-physical stresses associated with the process of pregnancy and birth. It emphasises the importance of pre-natal care and childbirth education, including psychoprophylaxis to help a woman relax and feel confident during the birth process. An actual birth is shown.

From Birth to Walking (16 mins) This program examines a child’s development from birth, through the first 12 months, to walking. It reveals how children’s perceptions and their physical actions, reactions and experiences change over time, and explains the role of play, exploration and experimentation. By providing an interesting and stimulating environment, parents may encourage both the child’s development and strengthen their own relationship with the child.

Child’s Play (12 mins) With the ability to walk, a child reaches a major milestone along the road to adulthood and the toddler starts to assert his or her new sense of independence. This film looks at how opportunities for learning abound in everyday activities. It explains how play makes an essential contribution to the child’s development and looks at the role of fantasy as a medium for exploring the world of emotions and group play as a form of socialisation.

Towards School (11 mins) Gradually emerging from the protective bonds of home, the pre-school child adapts to playing his or her part in organised group activity and meeting the problems encountered in the process of growing up. At this stage of the child’s development, a desire to be grown up coexists with the continuing need for support and nurturing. Pre-school offers the opportunity to practise independence and help in the transition from the familial world to formal schooling. Structured play at this stage develops hand-eye coordination, language and creativity, enhancing the child’s social and intellectual development.

© 2011 National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.