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Unit of study_
EDEC1006: Learning Through Play in Early Childhood
2025 unit information
An in-depth knowledge and understanding of the nature, context and role of play in the lives of children from birth to five years is essential for early childhood teachers. This unit enables students to develop knowledge of children's play, and skills in observing, guiding and supporting young children as they develop and learn through play. Students will recognise every child's right to play and become advocates for the value of play in early childhood. They will be introduced to a range of traditional and contemporary theories of play and play-based pedagogy and will apply these to examples of early childhood practice. Students will develop awareness of the relevance of social, cultural and physical contexts for children's play and begin to explore their role as early childhood teachers in supporting children's play.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Arts and Social Sciences
| Study level | Undergraduate |
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| Academic unit | Education |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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EDEC1004 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. recall knowledge of the characteristics of the play of infants from birth to five years
- LO2. interpret knowledge of the theoretical influences underpinning contemporary early childhood pedagogies and practices in relation to play
- LO3. apply knowledge of how children develop and learn through play, and of a teacher’s role in supporting children’s play
- LO4. engage in critical thinking around inclusive approaches to play that support the right to play from children from all social, cultural and ability backgrounds
- LO5. apply theories about children’s play to examples of practice in early childhood settings
- LO6. recognise the attributes of play environments and resources that support children’s development and learning.
Unit availability
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