Playing with Play

    Unit code: ECE1001 | Study level: Undergraduate
    12
    (Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
    City Campus
    Footscray Nicholson
    Footscray Park
    Online Real Time
    St Albans
    N/A
    Overview
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    Overview

    Children spend a considerable amount of their early years playing. It is through play that children begin to make sense of the world around them. In this unit, we will explore and experience the wonder and importance of learning through play by engaging in different types of play events. We will not only understand the significance play has in young children’s lives, but also explore our own identity through play. This unit will help students recognise the role of the environment in young children’s lives and how we as teachers can leverage the environment to create sustainable play settings for children. We will delve into the teacher’s role in play and how teachers can support, stimulate and facilitate children’s thinking through play.

    Learning Outcomes

    On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

    1. Identify learning opportunities in play;
    2. Critically review the importance of play as a human activity and in early childhood;
    3. Create sustainable environments for play;
    4. Investigate the role of the teacher in play with particular emphasis on interactions with children and intentional teaching.

    Study as a single unit

    This unit can be studied on its own, without enrolling in a full degree.

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    Assessment

    For Melbourne campuses

    Assessment type: Assignment
    |
    Grade: 20%
    Create a visual diary of play representing your co-constructed understanding of identity.
    Assessment type: Assignment
    |
    Grade: 30%
    Analyse a play moment and the different approaches to provoke children’s thinking
    Assessment type: Project
    |
    Grade: 50%
    Create an environment for play using sustainable materials, and justify pedagogical approaches.

    Required reading

    Required readings will be made available via VUCollaborate.

    As part of a course

    This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

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