The purpose of this paper is to describe a particular four year old female child as observed in four different observation sessions. These observations took place in her nursery school, a private preschool oriented toward the arts and mental health. Several aspects of her personality and behavior are included in this report--physical/organic, affectional, and self-adjustment.
Physically, the child is 34 inches tall and weighs 50 pounds. Her body type would be classified as that of an ectomorph, according to Sheldon's three main types of physique. This type of physique is that of predominant linearity and fragility. She appears tall and lean-looking (Earle, Rogers, & Wall, 1982, p. 93). Her posture is fairly erect, although occasionally she somewhat stoops over with her arms around her mid-section, as if to hug herself protectively.
Her energy level is average. She does not tire easily and seems to play and work at a steady pace. She does not have any particular limitations, although she is fitted for eyeglasses and has worn them for one year. The child's general health is good, according to the teachers and her mother, and she is very attractive--fair-skinned with long, fluffy blond hair. Her eyes are bright, and her skin is of good tone and color. She is able to completely dress herself including boots, jacket, and mittens in inclement weather.
In active physical play she is of normal development for her age. She is well-coordinated, able to participate in large-muscle games with skill and pleasure (running, tossing a ball, building with large blocks). Her small muscle skill and eye-hand coordination is above average, as she delights in quiet creative play such as art activities, wood-working, or sandbox play.
According to medical notes in the school file she has undergone the Denver Developmental Screening Test which did not show any developmental delay. This particular screening instrument is often used in ...