As the twig is bent so grows the tree

PSY278: Week 5 Assignment Page 1

`

Course Project: Lifespan Development Project Deliverable #1: The Saying
Assignment Overview
For this project deliverable, you will research “the saying” and share your findings about how it applies to lifespan human development.

This assignment is intended to explore various theories and influences regarding human development. You will use research skills and communicate and support your ideas using clear and logical writing.

Assignment Details:
Perform the following tasks:

· Complete the reading assignment and the interactive lesson before attempting this assignment.

· Research the digital library and/or Internet resources to find some information about the origin of the saying: "As the twig is bent, so grows the tree." Write an essay (approximately 150-175 words) in the space provided in the Assignment Worksheet section on the next page addressing the following questions:

· Where did this folk theory come from? How old is this saying?

· What is it supposed to mean?

· How does it apply to lifespan human development?

· Submit the Week 5 Assignment via Blackboard by clicking on the “Week 5 Assignment: Lifespan Development Project” link.

· Include the proper file naming convention: PSY278_wk5_assn_jsmith_mmddyyyy.

Rubric: See Written Assignment Rubric for grading details.

Grading:

Gradable items in assignment

Points

Indicate where theory comes from and how old the saying is.

10

Indicate what the saying means.

10

Indicate how the saying applies to lifespan human development.

10

Adhere to Writing Conventions.

10

Total Points

40

Assignment Worksheet:

As the twig is bent, so grows the tree

Introduction

This folk theory comes from Alexander Pope and it is a very old one. It came into existence in 1734 and different people quoted it differently. It is thought to have originated as “just as the twig is bent, the tree is inclined”

Meaning

Generally, the saying “as the twig is bent, so grows the tree” means that early influences have a permanent effect in the future. In this case of human development, this saying means that the experiences and early influences have a permanent effect on that child even at adulthood. These influences and experiences come from the parents, the environment surrounding the child, and also peer pressure from other children. If a child is raised by a violent mother, chances are that the child will also show violent behaviors and this might affect the child forever.

This saying supports the theories that believe that personality is developed at childhood. The behaviors and other personalities expressed by a grown up person are a reflection of what that person experienced while he or she was child.

Conclusion

Early childhood is a very critical stage in development because whatever happens during that period affects the child in his or her entire life. Parents should ensure that they are very careful with what they tell their children or the environment in which their children grow in.