Unit 2: Effective Play-Based Learning Activities
Unit Objectives
After completing this unit the participant will be able to:
- Utilize outside sources to identify appropriate play based learning activities.
- Use established criteria to evaluate effectiveness of play based activities.
- Argue/ defend activity choices using research evidence.
Review
In Unit 1, we read and discussed DAP. Please take some time to review NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children)'s web resources on this topic. NAEYC DAP
You should also take this time to review our criteria for effective play based activities HERE, and add any final updates.
Different Approaches to Teaching Early Writing Skills
This first video shows a writing lesson for a Kindergarten grade class. Watch this video from 6:00 - 11:00. You may wish to skim through the rest of the video to help gain understanding of how these children are taught letter sounds and writing.
Writing Lesson
In the second video, a teacher gives a tour of a dramatic play center that could be used for any early childhood age (preschool through second grade) Please watch the whole video.
Dramatic Play Center
Resources for finding Ideas for Play-Based Activities
There are thousands of internet resources through which a teacher can find ideas for learning activities. Being creative with play based activities does not mean having to reinvent the wheel. Chances are, what you are looking for is already out there somewhere. The important thing when searching these websites is to determine which activities are relevant, appropriate, and effective for your particular students. There also nothing wrong with altering an activity to meet your students' needs (be sure to give credit if you publish these ideas.) Below are just a few resources that are popular among early childhood educators. Please click each link, and try searching for a specific topic or theme. You may need to sign up for a free membership to download materials.
- TeachersPayTeachers - Many great resources and materials available on this site. (hint: select free under price)
- Pinterest - A great place to search for inspiration (hint: be specific in your search)
- Scholastic - Search this site for great materials related to anything from broad topics to specific books
- Education.com - Search by grade level to vast a vast amount of material for any topic.
Teacher blogs are another great tool. Printables often require purchase, however you can often use the ideas to create your own resources. You can also find many great freebies along the way.
Curriculum Books - Curriculum books can be a great resource for any teacher. This can be a pricey route to go, but don't forget to check libraries and second-hand stores. You may be surprised at how cheap used books can be sold for. Here are a few that I have found useful:
Colleagues - There are probably some great ideas sitting at the lunch table next to you. Never be afraid to ask your fellow teachers about what they have tried. This is a great way to gain insight and ideas.
Assignments
1. In the discussion tab for this unit, create a thread to evaluate play based learning activities. Choose an early childhood grade level, and an appropriate topic for that age. Use one of the resources provided (or share a new resource) to find a play based learning activity for your chosen age/topic. Provide a description of the activity in your thread. Be sure to reference the source, and provide a weblink if applicable.
2. Comment on at least two other participant's threads. Using the criteria that we developed in unit 1, evaluate the effectiveness of your peers' shared activities.
3. Respond to comments from peers. Reference sources to support justification your choice in activity, and/or determine areas in need of alteration.
Resources/ References
Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP). (n.d.). Retrieved May 16, 2015, from http://www.naeyc.org/dap Common Core Writing Kindergarten Lesson [Motion picture]. (2012). YouTube.
Café Drama Center: Developing Language and Vocabulary Through Play (Virtual Tour) [Motion picture]. (2012). YouTube.
Unit 1: Why is Play Important?
