Play and the Developing Brain in Early Childhood Education

EDUC X 25

This online course provides a contemporary, research-based perspective of learning through play in early childhood settings and how this supports optimal brain development and executive function skills.

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What you can learn.

Create high-quality, cognitive and social learning through play experiences
Learn the latest research on play and brain development
Learn to articulate the benefits of play-based learning
Enhance executive function skills and intellectual development in your classroom
Understand the neurological connections between relationships and brain development
Evaluate development by observing play

About this course:

This online course provides a contemporary, research-based perspective on learning and inquiry through play in early childhood settings and explains how play supports optimal brain development. Students learn about historical and contemporary perspectives of the critical role of play in early learning and development. Students explore play as an optimal medium for social and cognitive learning, executive function skills and brain development in the context of current developmental theory. Emphasis is placed on practical strategies for creating play-based learning environments, hands-on experiences and multi-cultural inclusiveness. Students observe, document and explore ways to integrate play throughout the curriculum. Observations of young children are required.