LAI 504TUT - Play & Young Children’s Learn

This course will broaden and deepen students¿ understanding of the importance of play in young children¿s learning and development. Through seminar-based discussion and hands on exploration, this course covers the history of play and play materials, purposeful uses of play and intentional guiding strategies, play across diverse environments and cultures, therapeutic uses of play, and play with modern technology. In addition, students will actively participate in an experiential learning project with the Fisher-Price Toy Company. The project involves students intentionally guiding young children¿s learning through a collaborative project with the Fisher-Price Play Lab. Play sessions take place at the Fisher-Price Endowed Early Childhood Research Center (ECRC), UB North Campus. The project allows students to apply and build upon their knowledge of child development while learning about toy development, toy evaluation, and how to use toys/play materials with young children. The experience also provides students the chance to explore alternative career pathways, broadening the scope of education-based career opportunities outside the classroom. Course participants will be required to attend the scheduled weekly seminar in addition to four on-site visits to the ECRC and two off-site visits to the Fisher-Price campus.

Credits: 3

Requisites: LAI 507