A practical, research-rich elective for older high school students who are interested in child development, occupational therapy, speech pathology, psychology, education or working with children.
This beautifully designed Child Studies unit explores how children grow, communicate, learn, regulate emotions and develop independence from approximately 2–10 years of age. Students move beyond simple theory by combining research, real-world observation and hands-on project work.
Throughout the unit, students explore three fascinating professional areas — paediatric occupational therapy, speech and language development, and child psychology — while learning how different professionals may work together to support children and families.
5 observation tasks exploring play, communication, motor development, emotional regulation and independence
5 substantial research and writing tasks covering child development, occupational therapy, speech pathology, child psychology and multidisciplinary support
10 practical design-and-build projects, including:
Fine Motor Activity Kit
Dressing & Self-Care Board
Sensory Exploration Resource
Speech & Vocabulary Game
Story Sequencing Kit
Social Communication Game
Emotion Recognition Resource
Regulation & Calm Strategy Kit
Early Learning Manipulative
Major final project — Design for a Real Child
Students are guided through how to research reliably, record sources, observe children respectfully, plan practical resources and evaluate their finished projects.
The unit also includes observation templates, project planning and evaluation pages, research guidance, suggested search phrases, glossary, portfolio checklist, final reflection and assessment rubric.
Designed for flexible homeschool learning, students can work independently with parent guidance and complete practical observations with appropriate parent/carer permission.
Ideal for: Years 9–11 / older high school students
Format: Printable PDF
Style: Research-based • Project-based • Hands-on • Career exploration
Focus areas: Child Development • Occupational Therapy • Speech Pathology • Child Psychology
A practical, research-rich elective for older high school students who are interested in child development, occupational therapy, speech pathology, psychology, education or working with children.
This beautifully designed Child Studies unit explores how children grow, communicate, learn, regulate emotions and develop independence from approximately 2–10 years of age. Students move beyond simple theory by combining research, real-world observation and hands-on project work.
Throughout the unit, students explore three fascinating professional areas — paediatric occupational therapy, speech and language development, and child psychology — while learning how different professionals may work together to support children and families.
5 observation tasks exploring play, communication, motor development, emotional regulation and independence
5 substantial research and writing tasks covering child development, occupational therapy, speech pathology, child psychology and multidisciplinary support
10 practical design-and-build projects, including:
Fine Motor Activity Kit
Dressing & Self-Care Board
Sensory Exploration Resource
Speech & Vocabulary Game
Story Sequencing Kit
Social Communication Game
Emotion Recognition Resource
Regulation & Calm Strategy Kit
Early Learning Manipulative
Major final project — Design for a Real Child
Students are guided through how to research reliably, record sources, observe children respectfully, plan practical resources and evaluate their finished projects.
The unit also includes observation templates, project planning and evaluation pages, research guidance, suggested search phrases, glossary, portfolio checklist, final reflection and assessment rubric.
Designed for flexible homeschool learning, students can work independently with parent guidance and complete practical observations with appropriate parent/carer permission.
Ideal for: Years 9–11 / older high school students
Format: Printable PDF
Style: Research-based • Project-based • Hands-on • Career exploration
Focus areas: Child Development • Occupational Therapy • Speech Pathology • Child Psychology
