Early Childhood Play Theories

Course Description

This course is designed to increase the understanding of children's play and how it may be used effectively in early childhood academic programs. Theories of children's play and how to use play as a foundation for learning are explored. Play is considered in relation to the motor, cognitive, language, and social and emotional development of young children.

Topics and Objectives

Overview of Play

  • Explain the concept of play as it applies to learning.
  • Examine the history of play.
  • Inspect and categorize the various theories of play.

Relationship between Play and Child Development

  • Describe the characteristics of play for infants and toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children.
  • Analyze the connection between physical and motor development and play experiences of young children.
  • Analyze the connection between cognitive development and play experiences of young children.
  • Analyze the connection between language development and play experiences of young children.
  • Analyze the connection between social and emotional development and play experiences of young children.
  • Summarize recent research on brain-based learning and play, discussing its impact on current-day views of child development.

Integrating Play and Curriculum

  • Determine and list the common elements of play-based curriculum.
  • Identify and discuss the various approaches to integrating play and the curriculum.
  • Examine and discuss the role of the facilitator in creating purposeful play experiences for children.
  • Examine incidental and informal teaching opportunities during play.

Play Environment

  • Examine the components of a creative and safe play environment as they apply to both indoor and outdoor spaces.
  • Compare and contrast toys and materials for infants and toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children.
  • Determine how to select and adapt bias-free, culturally relevant play and learning materials for all children.

Diversity

  • Devise ways to create play experiences that reflect gender equity and respect for cultural diversity.
  • Describe how to create play experiences to meet the needs of children with disabilities.
  • Outline the concept of play therapy as it applies to exceptional children.

Request information on this program - Please complete all fields
First Name
 Last Name
Home Address
City
State
 Zip Code
Highest Level of Education
Are you a United States citizen?
Yes   No  
Are you associated with the United States Military?
No   Yes  
Phone #
() -
Phone Type
home   mobile  
Secondary Phone #
() -
Secondary Phone Type
home   mobile  
Email Address
I acknowledge that by submitting this form, I may be contacted by telephone and email by the appropriate university/college  

Possible Alternatives ...

We have compiled the following list of possible alternatives to the Early Childhood Play Theories you are viewing. It is a good idea to get information about several schools and programs to weigh your options.

480.777.5735

|

email »