ED 120 - Observation and Play 3 Credits
Outline Effective Date 2024 Fall
25 (2024-2025)
Lecture Hours: 45
Course Description:
This course is an overview of the significance of play in the development of the child. It includes the nature and development of play in the environment. The course explores how early childhood educators co-construct meaningful play experiences with the children. Special consideration is given to observing, designing responsive environments, and focusing on children’s natural disposition to learn in both indoor and outdoor play spaces.
Rationale:
This is a required course for Early Childhood Education students and an optional course for Child and Youth Counsellor and Educational Assistant students. The course provides the foundation for understanding the importance of play for children. The course is based on the skills of observation, creating inviting and safe play spaces, and co-constructing meaning while appreciating the theoretical foundation of play.
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Course Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- explain and support the importance of play.
- summarize the historical and theoretical foundations of play.
- compare images of the child in society and describe the image of the child within the framework of the “mighty learner and citizen”.
- describe and practice the observation and documentation techniques using objective language.
- create responsive environments that offer play experiences and recognize the importance of routines and transitions.
- transform the environment and interact with children during experience and invite co-inquiry and co-construction with children.
- document the experience through the lens of reflective practice.
- recognize and identify areas of learning and development in play in a variety of play environments including nature play and the outdoors.
Required Resource Materials:
Dietze, B., & Kashin, D. (2019). Playing and learning in early childhood education. (2nd ed.). Pearson Canada Inc.
Optional Resource Materials:
Makovichuk, L., Hewes, J., Lirette, P., & Thomas, N. (2014). Flight Alberta’s early learning and care framework.
Pimento, B., & Kernested, D. (2019). Healthy foundations in early childhood settings. (6th ed.). Thomson Nelson
Conduct of Course:
This course includes lectures, discussions, and readings designed to provide students with theoretical knowledge and to assist students in developing an understanding of the importance of play in children’s lives. Students must have access to children to complete the course assignments. A clear criminal record check with a vulnerable sector check must be provided to the agency that the students work with to complete the assignments. Assignments are designed as opportunities to live the learning and encourage the development of Early Childhood Education - learning through play philosophy.
Regular attendance is essential for success in any course. Absence for any reason does not relieve a student of the responsibility of completing course work and assignments to the satisfaction of the instructor. Frequent absences may result in the student being placed on probation. Further absences may result in suspension from the program.
In cases of repeated absences due to illness, the student may be requested to submit a medical certificate.
Instructors have the authority to require attendance in classes.
Content of Course:
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Module I The Importance of Play
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Unit 1
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Importance of Play
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Unit 2
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Play Theories and Contemporary Issues
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Module II Children’s Play
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Unit 1
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Views of the Child
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Unit 2
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Practice of Relationships
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Unit 3
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Diversity/Inclusion
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Module III Observation of Children’s Play
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Unit 1
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Guidelines for Observation
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Unit 2
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Written Observations
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Unit 3
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Types of Observations
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Unit 4
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Subjective/Objective Language
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Module IV Responsive Environments
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Unit 1
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Components of the Environment
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1) Routines
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2) Transitions
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Unit 2
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3) Materials and Loose Parts
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4) Outdoor Space
5) Play Structures
6) Exploring Our Community
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Unit 3
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Curriculum Connections
1)Reflective Practice
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2) Links to Flight Curriculum
3) Play Based Development
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Course Assessments:
Students are expected to do all assignments:
Observation Assignment 15%
Play experiences assignment 1 30%
Mini quizzes 20%
Play experiences assignment 2 35%
Total: 100%
Course Pass Requirements:
A minimum grade of D (50%) (1.00) is required to pass this course.
Students must maintain a cumulative grade of C (GPA - Grade Point Average of 2.00) in order to qualify to graduate.
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