Play
Children exploring with items and toys
What is Play?
This type of curriculum is based on children's interests and questions, rather than a predetermined plan.
What is emergent curriculum / child-led curriculum?
Name two ways an educator can build positive relationships with children in their care.
What are: showing genuine interest, listening actively, being consistent, using positive reinforcement, getting down to their level, or spending one-on-one time?
This type of development includes skills involving large muscle groups, such as running and jumping.
What is gross motor development?
Name two benefits of play for young children's development.
What are: social skills development, cognitive growth, emotional regulation, physical coordination, or language development?
Imagine, Pretend, create, explore, investigate, communicate, questions, talk, feel, touch, and smell.
What is Learning through Play?
Name two learning areas typically found in an early childhood classroom.
What are: dramatic play, blocks, sensory table, art, reading corner, science, music, outdoor play, or manipulatives?
Describe how an educator can support a child who is struggling to make friends or interact positively with peers.
What is: model social skills, facilitate small group play, coach during conflicts, celebrate small successes, or work with families to address underlying concerns?
Explain how outdoor play contributes to physical development in young children.
What is: it encourages physical activity, enhances gross motor skills, promotes coordination, and provides opportunities for exploration and risk-taking?
Describe one way educators can assess children's learning through play.
What is: observing interactions, documenting play experiences, or using play-based assessments that reflect children's understanding and skills?
Language skills, emotions, creativity, social skills, developmental domains.
What is being developed in children through play?
Explain the difference between structured play and unstructured play in early childhood curriculum.
What is: structured play has adult-led rules/goals, while unstructured play allows children to direct their own learning and exploration?
This type of involvement occurs when families and educators work together to support a child's learning and development.
What is family engagement / family partnership?
Explain how self-regulation is important for a child's success in school.
What is: it helps children manage their emotions, behaviors, and attention, enabling them to focus on learning and interact positively with peers and educators?
Explain the difference between structured play and free play.
Structured play is guided by adults with specific goals, while free play is child-led and allows for exploration and creativity?
Explain the role of the educator in facilitating play.
To create an inviting environment, provide materials, encourage interactions, guide children’s play without directing it, and extend learning through questions and prompts
Explain the importance of including families in the curriculum planning process.
What is: it ensures the curriculum reflects children's cultural backgrounds, values, and interests, fostering stronger home-school connections and support for learning?
Early childhood centres can strengthen community connections by partnering with these types of organizations.
What are: libraries, parks, local businesses, health services, schools, or community centers?
This theorist proposed that children go through four stages of cognitive development, including the concrete operational stage.
Who is Jean Piaget?
Name two ways children can develop social skills through peer interactions.
What are: sharing, taking turns, resolving conflicts, cooperating in play, or communicating effectively?
Explain how an educator can incorporate diverse cultural perspectives into play activities.
What is: including multicultural toys, books, and games, celebrating cultural events through play, or facilitating discussions about different play traditions?
This curriculum approach emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning where children explore and discover through play.
What is play-based curriculum?
Name two benefits of building strong community connections for an early childhood centre.
What are: access to resources, increased awareness/enrollment, support for families, enriched learning opportunities, or stronger sense of belonging?
This is the ability to understand and manage one's own emotions and to empathize with others.
What is emotional intelligence?
Describe how play-based learning can enhance cognitive skills in young children.
What is: it provides opportunities for exploration, experimentation, critical thinking, and creativity through hands-on and engaging experiences?