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
General Education Outcomes (GEOs)
Please check the applicable GEOs for this course, if any, by outcomes at GEO Category Search, or by subject area at GEO Discipline Search.
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Weight |
|---|---|
Discussions | 32% |
Written Assignments | 32% |
Final Project - Research Paper | 36% |
Total | 100% |
Required Textbooks
Available through Charter Oak’s online bookstore
- Johnson. J., Chrisitie, J., & Wardle, F. (2005). Play, Development, and Early Education. Pearson Education, Inc. Boston, MA. ISBN-13: 978-0-205-39479-1
Additional Resources
Websites:
- NAEYC Beyond the Journal
- National Association for the Education of Young Children
- Preschool Teachers' Play Experiences Then and Now
- The Nature of Children’s Play
Course Schedule
| Week | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1, 2, 3 | Topic: Intro/Theories of Play
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2 | 2, 3 | Topic: Play Development and Assessment
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3 | 3, 4, 7 | Topic: Gender, Diversity and Individual Differences
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4 | 5, 6, 8 | Topic: Plays Role in Development/Creativity And Fantasy
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5 | 1, 8, 9 | Topic: Classroom Strategies
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6 | 3, 4, 8, 9 | Topic: Play for Children with Special Needs
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7 | 5, 6, 7 | Topic: Popular Culture, Media and Technology
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8 | 3, 4, 6, 7, 9 |
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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.