ECE 216 - Playing to Learn

1. Developmentally effective play
2. Secular trend of marked decline of play
3. Transforming power of fantasy play
4. Innate capacity to learn through play
5. Power of play to foster child development
6. Benefits of play-based learning experiences
7. Adventurous outdoor play
8. Observing and assessing play

1. Describe the characteristics of developmentally effective play stressing the value of child's play. (1)
2. Discuss the secular trend of a marked decline of play with grave consequences, contrasted with mounting research underscoring that play matters. (2)
3. Examine the transforming power of fantasy play empowering children to transcend the bounds of childhood. (3)
4. Explain children's innate capacity to learn naturally through play, in support of ample opportunities for child-directed play. (4)
5. Evaluate the mounting research underscoring the power of play to foster physical, cognitive, language, and social-emotional development. (5)
6. Devise play-based learning experiences to promote developmental and learning outcomes for young children. (4,5,6)
7. Discuss the characteristics, applications, and advantages of adventurous outdoor play with respect to experiencing nature, utilizing "loose parts" play, and engaging in intentional risky play. (4,7)
8. Investigate the processes of observing and assessing play providing a context for appreciation of developmental functioning and learning accomplishments. (1,3-8)
9. Develop course signature assignments reflecting course specific NAEYC core standard(s), posting same in teacher portfolio. (1-8)