ECE513 - Play and Inquiry Based Curriculum: PS and SA

Subject Title
Play and Inquiry Based Curriculum: PS and SA

Subject Description
Students will become cognizant of the image of the preschool and school age child as competent, capable and a builder of theories. The theories that support children's learning and the role of teacher as collaborator to support children's intellectual curiosity and inquiry through play-based emergent experiences will be studied. Observing and documenting children's play with materials and with others within the context of inspiring indoor and outdoor environments will enable the learner to observe, plan, implement and dialogue about the emerging directions of curriculum.

Credit Status
ECE 513 is an Early Childhood Education Diploma prescribed subject. This is a first year, first semester subject. The prerequisites are equivalent to the criteria set for admission into the Early Childhood Education Program.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

Upon successful completion of this subject, the student will be able to:  

1. Describe how current theories rationalize children's learning.
2. Examine personal attitudes and beliefs about childhood, early learning and care.
3. Use positive interpersonal skills relating to the child as competent, capable and a builder of theories.
4. Identify children's goals, strategies and theories related to their play.
5. Respect the rights of the child in relation to diversity, self-reflection, the individual and the group (diversity, self-reflection, individual child with a group).
6. Become conversant with teaching strategies that promote intellectual curiosity/inquiry, problem-solving, decision making, collaboration, inclusion and self-regulation.
7. Describe the collaborative role of the teacher as researcher, documenter theory builder and reflective practitioner.
8. Define and give examples of social and cognitive play.
9. Discuss how play and inquiry supports the concept of emergent curriculum.
10. Observe, record and document children's knowledge and skills.
11. Identify the relationship between play, inquiry and learning that evolves from an understanding of the child's holistic development.
12. Demonstrate knowledge and skills related to the components/areas of early childhood curriculum; sand and water, math, science, dramatic play, blocks, music and movement, language & literacy.
13. Identify aspects/elements of indoor and outdoor learning environments that affect play and behaviour.
14. Plan, implement and evaluate learning environments and experiences using materials that encourage inquiry, dialogue and deeper thinking.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.