Enhance the early childhood curriculum by creating play opportunities in the classroom. Explore options for embedding play in the classroom that are aligned with curriculum and supported by research. Implement checklists for observing and assessing play and acquire strategies to support students’ academic and social emotional development. Participants develop a play-based activity based on research and reflect on the outcome in the early childhood classroom.
Course Learning Objectives:
- Examine and identify the value of play-based learning in early childhood education.
- Use rubrics and checklists to assess areas of play development in students.
- Design and implement classroom activities to encourage purposeful play in the classroom.
Course Relation to CCS or other Professional Standards
- The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in the following propositions:
- Proposition 1: Teachers are committed to students and their learning
- Proposition 2: Teachers know the subjects they teach and how to teach them
- Proposition 3: Teachers are responsible for managing and monitoring student learning
- Proposition 4: Teachers think systematically about their practice and learn from experience - NAEYC Standards:
- Standard 1: Promoting child development and learning
- Standard 3: Observing, documenting, and assessing to support young children and families
- Standard 4: Using developmentally effective approaches
- Standard 5: Using content knowledge to build meaningful curriculum
Instructor
Lindsey White
B.S. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education; M.S. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Certified in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Special Education, and TESOL 9+ years as an elementary classroom teacher: 4th grade, Kindergarten, and Pre-Kindergarten Professional Achievements: National Board Certified Teacher, Student Teaching Fieldwork Liaison, Mentor for teaching interns, STEM Club sponsorLindsey is passionate about developmentally appropriate instruction in early childhood education
Lindsey’s primary purpose is to help teachers understand the foundations of early childhood education to bring into their own primary classrooms and set young students up for success
Lindsey’s personal interests include: traveling, kayaking, hiking, and yoga
