module specification

This core module provides a basis for you to demonstrate a strong understanding of different types of play from a range of disciplinary and theoretical perspectives and also creative and representation development. You will understand the importance of play in supporting children’s creativity. In the module, you will consider theories of play and how these may support you to relate to cross-cultural practice through exploring play-based roles that inspire creativity. You will have opportunities for working together as a team. The module links to practice, e.g. how to support creative play- and will offer you useful strategies and roles to support children’s creative representation through use of a variety of media.

This core module aims will enable students to:

• Develop an understanding of babies’ and young children’s perceptual, cognitive, creative and representational development cross-culturally through play.
• Analyse the work of key theorists and theories of play from a range of disciplinary perspectives.
• Consider the different roles and strategies that adults (including parents and carers) undertake in supporting, fostering and enhancing children’s play and creative representation.
• Develop the skills of working collaboratively and cooperatively as part of a team.
• Plan and reflect upon a playful activity or experience to develop creative representation.

No

This module will explore theoretical perspectives of play and how this may influence babies’ and young children’s perceptual and cognitive development cross-culturally (LO1). Students will explore the development of children’s creative representation and expression across the curriculum such as: movement, painting and modelling, music, mathematical and scientific exploration (LO1). It will support students in considering the relationship between play, creativity and learning and the importance of the role played by adults and the range of indoor, outdoor and community environments and resources. The role of creative pedagogical approaches such as within Problem-Solving, Schemas and the Reggio Emilia will be considered in relation to early childhood curricula and culturally diverse contexts, paying particular attention to issues of social justice (LO3). The role of the adult in supporting babies’ and young children’s interests and creativity, through play, is a central focus of this module. Opportunity to use the roles within a group based play activities and experiences will be offered with reflection following this (LO4).

Students theoretical input will be through lectures and workshops, group work and discussion. Students will benefit from a blended learning approach through the use of WebLearn for supplementary materials, links to E-books, research journals and videos. Reading, research, reflection and discussion are key to teaching for all students and this will be in the context of tutor-led sessions. Role play and opportunities for undertaking creative play will be offered throughout the module.

Teaching and learning strategies and methods also focus on students own experiences. Weekly tasks and reflective exercises will be provided to support increased knowledge and understanding for all students.

The development of transferable skills in presenting evidence, arguments and points of view to a range of audiences, through a range of media, including the use of ICT also supports digital literacy learning.

By the end of the module, the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of babies and young children’s creative and representational development cross-culturally.

2. Compare a range of the key theorists and theories of play and how these support creative representation.

3. Work collaboratively to plan, organise and develop an inclusive playful opportunity, activity or experience.

4. Reflect on the different ways play can be used to support creative representation.

Assessment A: Information Leaflet

Title: Babies and Young Children’s Creative and Representational Development Information Leaflet

Create a 2,000 word information leaflet, for use by undergraduate students new to early childhood. The leaflet should give information about ONE type of play and how it underpins creative and representational development of babies and young children (0-5 years). Discuss the relevant theory related to the type of play and how this supports the development of creativity and representation at each stage.

(2,000 words, +/- 10%)
50%

Assessment B: Group Role Play: 15 minutes (10 to role play and 5 for reflection)

Develop a creative play experience using chosen resources and work as a group. Plan and role play this experience and then reflect on how this may impact on children’s creativity.

Offer a short reflection of what you have learnt about the process, for one minute.
(Each member of the group is expected to contribute throughout).
50%

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/591707C4-9E93-EB3B-30D8-D67D2E0FE414.html?lang=en&login=1

Duffy, B. (2006) Supporting Creativity and Imagination in the Early Years, Maidenhead: Open University Press

Fleer, M. ( 2021 ) Play in the Early Years 3rd ed, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press

Howard, J. McInnes, (2013) The essence of play, Abingdon: Routledge

Mohammed, R. (2018) Creative learning in the early years Abingdon: Routledge

Moyles, J. (2015) The Excellence of Play, Maidenhead: Open University Press

White, J. (2020) Playing and Learning Outdoors: the practical guide and sourcebook for excellence in outdoor provision and practice with young children, Abingdon: Routledge