Play in Childhood   [Archived Catalog]
2020-2021 Academic Catalog and Student Handbook
   

ECE 306 - Play in Childhood

3 Credit(s)
This course is an exploration of play as a human adaptive function with a distinct developmental course, beginning in infancy and varying in content and mode from culture to culture. Emphasis will be placed on the ability to observe children's play and to make use of these observations in planning for a child; the importance of the physical environment; and the setting up of environments for play that will engage children in using the skills that are pre-requisites for academic learning. Cultural and gender issues and ways to support cultural expression and non-sexist play opportunities will be examined. Although our focus will be on early years, we will address the integrative and transformative function of play as it contributes to the lives of individuals throughout the life span.