ECE
THEORISTS
THEORISTS
This theorist believed children construct knowledge through hands-on exploration and identified stages of cognitive development.
Who is Jean Piaget?
This category focuses on how thinking, reasoning, and understanding develop.
What is Cognitive Theory?
I believe what a child can do with help is just as important as what they can do alone. Who am I?
Lev Vygotsky
Children pretend that a cardboard box is a spaceship. This is an example of this kind of play.
What is symbolic/pretend play?
Your beliefs and reasons for wanting to work with children help shape this part of you as an educator.
What is your teaching identity?
This theorist described development through conflicts such as Trust vs. Mistrust and Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt.
Who is Erik Erikson?
This category explains how behavior can be learned through reinforcement and consequences.
What is Behaviorism/Behavioral Theory?
I would watch whether children are playing alone, beside each other, or cooperatively. Who am I?
Mildred Parten
Our brain's favorite way of learning.
What is play?
"Play is our brain's favorite way of learning."
- Diane Ackerman
ECE professionals follow guidelines from organizations such as NAEYC and documents such as the Code of Ethical Conduct.
What are professional standards and competencies?
This educator introduced the concept of gifts and strongly believed in learning through play.
Who is Fredich Frobel?
This theory emphasizes learning through observation and modeling.
What is Social Learning Theory?
I believe rewards and consequences can influence whether a behavior happens again. Who am I?
B.F Skinner
A parent says, “Why do they play so much? When do they learn?” What should an ECE professional explain?
What is...children learn through play?
An ECE teacher asks, “What worked? What didn’t? What could I do differently next time?” This is an example of _____.
What is reflective practice?
This researcher developed the Strange Situation to study children's attachment patterns.
Who is Mary Ainsworth?
This category emphasizes relationships, culture, language, and social interactions in learning.
What is Sociocultural Theory?
I would tell you to make sure children's basic needs are met before expecting them to concentrate on learning. Who am I?
Abraham Maslow
This researcher identified six stages/types of social participation in play, including solitary, parallel, and cooperative play.
Who is Mildred Parten?
Before asking “What should I teach?”, an effective ECE professional should first ask this important question about the children.
What do I know about these children?
This theorist explained development through interacting systems, including the microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, and macrosystem.
Who is Urie Bronfenbrenner?
This theory examines how family, school, community, culture, and society interact to influence development.
What is Bioecological Theory?
I believe children learn from watching what adults and other children do. Who am I?
Albert Bandura
This type of play is child-directed, engaging, and enjoyable, giving children opportunities to explore, make choices, and solve problems.
What is meaningful play?
This professional relationship requires teachers to respect families’ knowledge of their children and work collaboratively with them.
What is a family–teacher partnership?