Social & Moral Development

What?!
Today we talked about social and moral development. We discussed, acted out and hopefully can now remember, Erikson's stages of Social Development. They are as follows (listed here for my own benefit):

1 = bun --> infant --> trust vs mistrust
2 = shoe --> toddler --> autonomy vs shame
3 = tree --> preschooler --> initiative vs guilt
4 = door --> elementary --> industry vs inferiority
5 = hive --> early teen --> identity vs role confusion
6 = sticks --> adolescence --> intimacy vs isolation
7 = heaven --> middle years --> generitivity vs stagnation
8 = gate --> seniors --> integrity vs despair

We also talked briefly about moral development and the stages associated with moral development. There are 3 stages:
1) Preconventional - punishment avoidance/ obedience
2) Exchange of favors
3) Conventional - good boy/ good girl
4) Law and Order
5) Post Conventional - social contract
6) Universal Ethical Principal - ex. Ghandi. Martin Luther King

So What?!
Knowing the different stages of both social and moral development is important for teachers because a teacher wears many hats. Part of their responsibility is to teach children social and moral behaviors so they can function in the world. The stages set a standard and allow teachers to spot which children may need additional help.

Now What?!
As a parent it is interesting to learn of these stages and see where my child fits. As a teacher it will be helpful to know this information to guide and help students that may be struggling or need assistance. As a teacher I also have the opportunity to use class discussions, historical figures we are studying, stories, etc. to help teach moral and social issues.