Robert and the Garage, Case Study Example

Introduction

Robert and the Garage case study mainly involve problem-solving skills that can be applied in the society towards solving of children problems especially by their teachers and parents.  The case study reflects a number of NAEYC’S based strategies including the application of ethical guidelines and other code of conduct (Caulfield, 1997).

What opportunities to build social skills would be lost if Miranda simply told Robert he must share and that if he did not, all of the blocks would be put away?

In this case study, Robert and Emma are building small blocks on a carpeted floor. Emma is five-years-old while Robert is four-years-old (Robert and the Garage Case Study, n.d.). As they are building structures of cars using blocks, Jason who is three years old is watching them. Robert builds a room a called it a garage where its cars can be parked (Robert and the Garage Case Study, n.d.).  Jason also begins to park his cars in Robert’s garage while Robert refused and tossed his cars out of the garage. In the process, Miranda the lead teacher has been watching them and confronts them in order to help solve their problems through guiding them to make alternative choices.  Miranda informs Chen about the children problem and requests her to help in solving the children problems. She then asks Jason to stop pushing Roberts and to allow them share the garage (Robert and the Garage Case Study, n.d.).

Therefore, it is clear that Miranda wide social problem-solving skills and experiences allow him to solve the children problem.  Miranda also initiates good social skills in the children by involving them in providing the solution to their problem. She advises Jason to use polite language and ask Robert first before parking his cars in Robert’s garage. Miranda also later advises the children about the important of using polite language as one of the procedures of solving their social problems (Robert and the Garage Case Study, n.d.).

Therefore, if Miranda forced Robert to share his garage with Jason the children would have lost the opportunity to acquire problem-solving skills such as the use of polite language and asking before using others resources. The opportunity to control the children aggressive behaviors such as anger would have also been lost.

What observations would indicate to Miranda whether these children were ready to work this problem out by themselves of if they needed some specific guidance in the problem-solving steps?

Some of the observation that indicated to Miranda that the children were ready to solve their problem includes their ability to talk about the problem as well as their willingness to share various solutions towards the solving of their problems.

The problem-solving process works better when children feel safe and calm. Why is this? How did Miranda establish a sense of safety and calm on these children?

Problem-solving usually occurs best when individual are calm and safe. This is because calmness reduces the children anger levels thus allowed them to share information with the third party about their problems. In the case study, Miranda to establish a sense of safety and calmness on the children by providing   them with the opportunity to talk to each other and by involving them in finding solutions to their problems (Robert and the Garage Case Study, n.d.).

Why did Miranda seek out the children after the problem was solved?

Miranda seeks the children out after the problem was solved in order to promote their positive reinforcement and see how they behave and to evaluate their social behaviors. He was also ensuring if the children were safe.

What specific social problem-solving strategies did Miranda use to help Robert and Jason resolve their problem?

The specific social problem-solving strategy that Miranda uses to help solve the children problem is a rational problem-solving strategy. This is because it led to effective and positive outcome relationship between the children.  Miranda also recognizes the importance of positive reinforcement and providing supportive communication in solving children problems.

What emotions might Robert and Jason has been experiencing that led to their argument?

Some of the emotions that Robert and Jason experience that led to their argument and problem include anger and disappointment.

Summary of the Case Study and NAEYC Policies

In summary, it is clear that Miranda employed various education ethical conducts in dealing with the children social problem. This was in accordance with the NAEYC ethical code of conduct that promotes the application of ethical guidelines in resolving ethical problems especially among early childhood education systems and teachers (Education, 2013).  The case study also recognizes the importance of teacher’s problem-solving skills in dealing with children aggressive behaviors and emotional problems.

References

Caulfield, R. (1997). Professionalism in Early Care and Education. Early Childhood Education Journal, 24(4), 261-263.

Education. (2013). Reference & Research Book News, 28(2), 114-141.

Robert and the Garage Case Study.  (n.d.). Problem Solving and the Blocks (3-5Years), 55-57.