Core Skills Analysis
Psychology and Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE)
- Tyler explored observational learning: how children can learn by watching other people’s actions and behaviour.
- He considered imitation and why someone might copy what they see, connecting observed behaviour with the influence people can have.
- He reflected on who may influence his own life and behaviour, developing awareness of the people around him.
- The activity supported perspective-taking by considering what children might learn from observing others.
Science
- Tyler considered behaviour as something that can be learned through observation, rather than only through direct instruction.
- He explored a relationship between social influences and behaviour: people may observe others and then imitate them.
- The topic invited him to think about how influences in a child’s environment can affect what that child learns.
English
- Tyler engaged with ideas about behaviour and influence, practising the kind of explanation needed to describe how one person’s actions may affect another.
- Considering who may influence his life gave him a personal topic for reflective discussion or writing.
- Exploring why children imitate people encouraged him to express reasons and connect an idea with examples from everyday life.
Tips
Tips Turn Tyler’s observations into a short inquiry: invite him to choose a familiar, positive behaviour and explain how someone might learn it by watching another person. He could create a simple influence map showing different people who may shape behaviour, while deciding which influences are helpful and why. Use a short, age-appropriate story or film scene to identify an observed action, the possible reason for copying it, and its consequences. Finish with a brief reflection or conversation about how Tyler can choose which behaviours to imitate, keeping the focus on thoughtful choices rather than judging people.
Book Recommendations
- The Social Animal by Elliot Aronson: A widely known introduction to social psychology, including how people influence and respond to one another. Best explored with an adult, as it is written for a general audience.
Learning Standards
- Science—Working scientifically (no specific code provided): Tyler considered how observation can inform an explanation of behaviour and how influences in the environment may relate to learning.
- English—Year 8 speaking and writing (no specific code provided): Reflecting on influence and explaining reasons connects with expressing ideas clearly, participating in discussion, and writing personal or explanatory responses.
- PSHE: The activity supports reflection on relationships, personal choices, and the influence of other people. PSHE is not included as a subject in the supplied KS3 standards list.
Try This Next
- Influence-map worksheet: draw or list people who may influence behaviour and add one positive example for each.
- Scenario cards: identify what a child observes, what they might imitate, and one possible outcome.
- Reflection prompt: “What is one behaviour worth learning from others, and why?”