PSY 301: Psychology of Play

Course Description

This course will focus on examining play as a medium for cognitive and social-emotional growth from infancy to adulthood. Particular emphasis will be placed on the creative aspects of play and its relation to fantasy and emotions, as well as to the contrast with more structured experiences for children. (3 credits)

Prerequisites

ENG 101: English Composition 1
ENG 102: English Composition 2
PSY 101: Psychology

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

Define play.
Identify the theories of play including: Classical Theories, Modern Theories, and Postmodern Theories.
Discuss the development of play in children from birth through adulthood.
Describe the impact of play on physical, cognitive and social-emotional development.
Describe play, fantasy and creative play.
Discuss the value of play in society.
Discuss the role of gender, culture and media in play.
Describe teaching strategies and ways to facilitate play that promote development in children.
Identify safety issues related to children's play

Course Activities and Grading

Assignments	Weight
Discussions	30%
Group Discussion	5%
Weekly Knowledge Check Quizzes and Matching Game (Weeks 1 to 8)	15%
Written Assignments	30%
Group Project	20%
Total	100%

Required Textbooks

Available through Charter Oak’s online bookstore

Smith, Peter K. (2019). The Cambridge Handbook of Play: Developmental and Disciplinary Perspectives. Cambridge University Press. ISBN-10: 1-316-64090-6 or ISBN-13: 978-1-316-64090-6

Course Schedule

Week	SLOs	Readings and Exercises	Assignments
1	1, 2	Topic: Intro/Theories of Play Weekly Materials/Articles: Textbook: The Cambridge Handbook of Play, Part 1 and required supplemental articles “Piaget’s Theory of Development” video	Review course syllabus Read assigned chapters Complete Week 1 discussion post Review lecture material Complete Quizlet flashcard sets Complete Week 1 Matching Game (graded)
2	3,4	Topic: Growth & Development of Children through Play Weekly Materials/Articles: The Educational Benefits of Playing with Blocks Piaget’s Stages of Play Scientists Say Child’s Play Helps Build a Better Brain Stages of Play Week 2 Lecture	Read assigned chapters Review the lecture material Complete Week 2 discussion post Complete PowerPoint assignment Complete Week 2 Knowledge Check Quiz
3	7	Topic: Gender, Roles & Individual Differences Weekly Materials/Articles: Textbook: The Cambridge Handbook of Play – Chapters 9, 15, 17, 18 Kids Gender Stereotypes are Slowly Changing, Study Says Community Plaything Boys in Early Childhood Education The Play’s the Thing Week 3 lecture	Read assigned chapters Review the lecture material Complete Self-Assessment: Promoting Cultural & Linguistic Competency Checklist Complete Week 3 discussion post Complete Week 3 paper assignment Complete Week 3 Knowledge Check Quiz
4	5, 6, 7	Topic: Play’s Role in Development/Creativity & Fantasy Weekly Materials/Articles: Textbook: The Cambridge Handbook of Play – Chapters 17, 24, 25, 28 A Playful World Play and Imagination presentation Importance of Play Toy Time Home Page Prop Box Pinterest Website Week 4 lecture	Read assigned chapters Review the lecture material Complete Week 4 discussion post Complete Week 4 writing assignment “Play Then and Now” Complete Week 4 Knowledge Check Quiz
5	8	Topic: Philosophical Approaches to Include Play in a Curriculum Weekly Materials/Articles: 10 Effective DAP Strategies Complete Classroom for Young Toddlers The Child Chooses the Curriculum in the Montessori Classroom “Walford School of Education” video “Welcome to the Outdoor Classroom Project” (video) “The Benefits of NAEYC Accreditation” (video) Week 5 lecture	Read assigned materials Review the lecture material Complete Week 5 discussion post Complete Quizlet flashcards/Jeopardy game Begin work on Final Project Complete Week 5 Knowledge Check Quiz
6	2,4,8	Topic: Play & Assessment for Children with Varying Abilities Weekly Materials/Articles: Textbook: The Cambridge Handbook of Play – Chapters 17, 24, 25, 28 The Effect of Disabilities on Play Skills Sand play with Children Case for Child Life Child Life Specialist (video) Early Childhood Special Education Video for Parents (video) Play Therapy Intervention (video) Play Based Assessment (video) Play is More Than Just Fun (video) Week 6 lecture	Read assigned materials Review the lecture material Complete Week 6 discussion post Submit 3-page final project paper Complete Week 6 Knowledge Check Quiz
7	7,9	Topic: Popular Culture & Technology Weekly Materials/Articles: Textbook: The Cambridge Handbook of Play – Chapters 14, 15, 17, 19, 36 Social Media Can Put Young Children in Danger, Surgeon General Warns Transcript of Ted Talk by Peter Gray Play Personalities – National Institute for Play Week 7 lecture	Read assigned chapters Review the lecture material Complete Week 7 discussion post Complete Week 7 assignment – Complete Three Diagrams Complete Week 7 Knowledge Check Quiz
8	7,9	Topic: Conclusion & Final Project/Exam Weekly Materials/Articles: Textbook: The Cambridge Handbook of Play – Chapter 12 pages 360-394 Week 8 lecture	Read assigned chapters Review the lecture material Complete Week 8 discussion post Submit final project/research paper Complete Week 8 Knowledge Check Quiz Complete Course Evaluation

COSC Accessibility Statement

Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.

COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources

Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.