| CODE | PRE1001 | ||||||||
| TITLE | Play and its Contribution to Early Years Development | ||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 01 - Year 1 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Early Childhood and Primary Education | ||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | Play is acknowledged as a fundamental part of early childhood and essential for children’s holistic growth and development worldwide. Play is also regarded as an effective way for young children to learn and therefore is a crucial activity within the family, early childhood settings and the first years of compulsory schooling. This study-unit provides an in-depth exploration of the stages, development and types of play, and its value and benefits. Early years psychologists’ ideologies and influences on theories of play will be discussed. Key issues in current play practice such as the interrelatedness between play and learning, adults’ expectations and the role of the adult in providing for and extending a play environment will be addressed. Opportunities to observe, assess, plan for and develop play activities will provide a practical view of play in local early years settings. Study unit Aims: The overall aim of the study-unit is to introduce students to theories, ideologies and current practices of play. Students will be challenged to understand the importance, value and benefits of play and the necessity of adopting a pedagogy of play that is emotionally and intellectually engaging for adults and children alike. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & understanding: By the end of this study unit, the student will be able to: • Reflect upon the importance and benefits of play; • Distinguish between the different theories of play; • Discuss the basic stages and types of play; • Be informed of the interrelatedness between learning and play; • Analyse and reflect upon the value of play in the local context; • Understand that play is crucial for the holistic growth of children. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: • Use different play theories and theories of learning to inform their current thinking and practice; • Provide for a meaningful ‘play’ environment; • Observe, analyse, reflect and report on children's play and children's learning through play; • Be able to prepare thematic, creative play activities that promote an active approach in using both adult-led and child-initiated activities; • Adopt, integrate and develop a pedagogy of play in their everyday practice. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: - Brock, A., Dodds, S., Jarvis, P., & Olusoga, Y. (2009). Perspectives on Play: Learning for Life. England: Pearson. - Lindon, J. (2001). Understanding Children’s play. United Kingdom. Nelson Thornes. - Sollars, V. (2003). Constructing a curriculum for early childhood education in Malta – The value of play for learning. In M. Karlsson Lohmander (Ed.). Researching Early Childhood: Care, Play and Learning – Curricula for Early Childhood Education. Volume 5. Goteborg: Early childhood research and development centre. (will be provided for students via moodle) - Bryce-Clegg, A. (2013). Creative role play in the early years: How to plan stimulating and exciting role play, inside and out. London: Featherstone. - Duncan, J., & Lockwood, M. (2008) Learning through play: A work-based approach for the Early Years Professional. London: Continuum. - Hughes, B. (2011). Evolutionary Playwork. (2nd ed.), London: Routledge. - Moyles, J. (ed). (2005). The Excellence of play (2nd ed). England: Open University. - Moyles, J. (2008). Just playing? The role and status of play in Early Childhood Education. England: Open University. - Sheridan, M. D. (2011). Play in Early Childhood, from Birth to Six Years. (3rd Ed.). Revised and updated by J. Howard, J. & D. Alderson. Oxon: Routledge. - Tassoni, P & Hucker, K. (2005). Planning Play and the Early Years (2nd Ed.). Oxford: Heinemann/Child care. - Wood, E., & Attfield, J. (2005). Play, learning and the Early Childhood Curriculum (2nd ed). London: Paul Chapman. - Local ECEC documents: (made available via moodle) - Sollars, V. (2006). Children’s Right to Play: A study of Maltese children’s perceptions on cultural and recreational activities. Malta: The Office of the Commissioner for Children. In http://www.ombudsnet.org/enoc/resources/infoDetail.asp?ID=11930&flag=report. - Ministry of Education, Youth & Employment. (2006). Early Childhood Education and Care: A National Policy. Malta: Ministry of Education. In http://www.education.gov.mt/ece.htm. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Independent Study | ||||||||
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The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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