Play and Development

This course explores the critical role of play in the cognitive, social, and emotional development of young children. Students will analyze various types of play, including free play, guided play, and structured play, evaluating their benefits and challenges in fostering learning and development. Emphasizing play-based learning, the course prepares students to design and integrate developmentally appropriate play experiences into early childhood curricula. Additionally, students will develop advocacy skills to promote play as an essential component of high-quality early childhood education.