“Monkey see, monkey do”

The adage “Monkey see, monkey do” encapsulates the concept of observational learning, a fundamental mechanism through which infants and toddlers acquire new skills and behaviors by imitating others. This learning process is crucial during early childhood development, as it facilitates the acquisition of language, social norms, and various cognitive and motor skills. The benefits of observational learning are manifold, including enhanced communication abilities, social competence, and problem-solving skills. Strategies to promote positive observational learning involve parental modeling of desired behaviors, providing opportunities for imitation, and reinforcing learned behaviors. This article reviews the current literature on the implications of “Monkey see, monkey do” for infants and toddlers, the benefits of this learning process, effective strategies for fostering it, and provides examples of observational learning in early childhood.

Introduction

Observational learning, often colloquially referred to as “Monkey see, monkey do,” is a form of social learning where individuals emulate behaviors observed in others. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in infants and toddlers, who are in a critical period of development and are highly receptive to external stimuli. The concept is supported by the theory of social learning and the research on mirror neurons, which suggests that certain brain cells respond both when an individual performs an action and when they observe the same action performed by another^[19].

Benefits of Observational Learning in Infants and Toddlers

Language Acquisition

Observational learning is instrumental in language development. Infants and toddlers learn to articulate sounds and words by mimicking the speech they hear from caregivers and peers. This process is supported by the finding that children’s language abilities can be predicted by the development of gestures observed and imitated from 9 to 16 months of age^[11].

Social and Emotional Development

Through observational learning, young children grasp the nuances of social interactions and emotional expressions. By imitating facial expressions and gestures, they learn to communicate their emotions and understand those of others, which is crucial for social competence^[4][13].

Cognitive and Motor Skills

Observational learning extends to the acquisition of cognitive and motor skills. For instance, toddlers learn to stack blocks or use utensils by watching adults or older children perform these tasks. This form of learning promotes problem-solving abilities and physical coordination^[19].

Strategies for Promoting Observational Learning

Modeling Positive Behavior

Parents and caregivers can foster observational learning by consistently exhibiting positive behaviors for children to imitate. This includes demonstrating kindness, patience, and effective communication^[6][19].

Providing Imitation Opportunities

Creating environments where children can observe and practice new skills is essential. This can be achieved through interactive play, participation in group activities, and exposure to diverse role models^[2][5].

Reinforcement of Learned Behaviors

Positive reinforcement of imitated behaviors encourages children to continue using the newly acquired skills. Praise, affection, and attention serve as powerful motivators for children to repeat observed behaviors^[7].

Examples of Observational Learning in Early Childhood

Language and Communication

A classic example of observational learning is a child learning to say “hello” by watching and imitating their parents greeting others^[2].

Social Skills

Children learn to share and take turns by observing these behaviors in playgroups or family settings. For instance, a toddler may learn to wait their turn for a slide by watching other children at a playground^[3].

Emotional Responses

A child may learn to express empathy by observing a parent’s compassionate response to someone in distress, such as offering comfort or assistance^[13].

Daily Living Skills

Observational learning is evident when a toddler learns to dress themselves by copying their older sibling or parent^[8].

Conclusion

“Monkey see, monkey do” is a powerful learning mechanism in early childhood, with significant implications for infants and toddlers. The benefits of observational learning are extensive, contributing to language development, social and emotional skills, and cognitive and motor abilities. Strategies to enhance observational learning include modeling positive behaviors, providing opportunities for imitation, and reinforcing learned behaviors. Examples of observational learning are ubiquitous in everyday life, from simple greetings to complex emotional responses. By understanding and leveraging this natural propensity for imitation, caregivers can significantly influence a child’s development in positive ways.

Citations:
[1] https://www.purdue.edu/hhs/hdfs/ELM/documents/12-24%20Mos_Activity%20Plans_Block8.pdf
[2] https://speechblubs.com/blog/baby-activities-language-development/
[3] http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/documents/biting-parenting_tool.pdf
[4] https://www.monkeymusic.co.uk/blog/why-do-babies-and-toddlers-enjoy-playing-peek-boo
[5] https://stamurai.com/blog/activities-encourage-speech-language-development-children/
[6] https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/monkey_see_monkey_do_model_behavior_in_early_childhood
[7] https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/coping-with-defiance-birth-to-three-years/
[8] https://kiddieacademy.com/toddler-morning-activities/
[9] https://www.allanarobinson.com/early-childhood-theories-albert-bandura/
[10] https://www.oaktreekids.com/blog
[11] https://www.betterspeech.com/post/monkey-see-monkey-do-imitation-toddler-speech-therapy
[12] https://www.parentmap.com/article/how-preschoolers-start-learning-science
[13] https://www.pampers.com/en-us/baby/activities/article/baby-games
[14] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7019312/
[15] https://www.whattoexpect.com/toddler/behavior/screaming-and-screeching.aspx
[16] https://www.splashlearn.com/blog/best-ice-breakers-activities-for-kids/
[17] https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fspor.2023.1292812/full
[18] https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/play-learning/play-toddler-development/imagining-play-toddlers
[19] https://funderstanding.com/learning/theory/child-development/observational-learning-and-the-young-child/?amp=1
[20] https://www.unisa.edu.au/media-centre/Releases/2024/monkey-see-monkey-do-how-sideline-sports-behaviours-affect-kids/