5N1773 Early Childhood Education and Play

This module is a mandatory module of the early Childhood Care and Education major award and is designed to ensure that each child’s learning, development and well-being is facilitated through the provision of opportunities, experiences, activities, interaction, materials and equipment, having regard to the age and stage of development of the child and the child’s cultural context.

Learning Outcomes

• Outline the types, stages patterns and purposes of children’s play

• Describe a range of theories of play in the context of children’s education to include Psychoanalytic theories (Freud, Winnicott) and Constructivist theories (Piaget, Vygotsky)

• Evaluate the role of the adult in children’s play

• Explore a child lead approach to meeting the play and educational requirements of children

• Describe different approaches to curriculum development and implementation in the ECCE setting

• Assess the value of equipment, materials, play spaces, both indoors and outdoor in the ECCE setting

• Use a range of reading and storytelling techniques appropriate to different stages of children’s development and cultural background

• Select relevant play activities and materials appropriate to children’s interest and stage of development and cultural background

• Implement appropriate curricula which promotes learning and the holistic development of the child

• Reflect on own role and responsibilities when supporting children in their play.

Assessments

• Skills Demonstration 40%
• Assignment 30%
• Assignment 30%

Transfer

Successful completion of this component award enables the learner to transfer to programmes leading to other certificates where this component is an elective requirement