Module Identifier ED10610  
Module Title YOUNG CHILDREN LEARNING  
Academic Year 2002/2003  
Co-ordinator Mrs Gwenan M Owen  
Semester Semester 2  
Course delivery Lecture   10 Hours  
  Seminars / Tutorials   5 Hours  
  Practical   2 half-day visits  
Assessment Semester Exam   2 Hours   60%  
  Semester Assessment   Continuous Assessment: Assignment of 2, 000 words   40%  

Learning outcomes

On the successful completion of this module, students should be able to demonstrate:

Brief description

This module is divided into two parts:

The first part relates to the "Pre-School Setting" (3-5 year old child) and involves a discussion of the different types of provision, the nature of the pre-school learning environment, the importance of play, the role of supporting agencies and the importance of the document entitled "The Desirable Learning Outcomes for Children's Learning Before Compulsory School Age" in the young child's development.

The second part relates to the "Infant Setting" (5-7 year old child) and involves a discussion of the relevant part of the "National Curriculum" the nature of the learning environment and the relevance of the "Code of Practice, Identification and Assessment of Special Needs" document within this context.

In addition to the lectures each student will make one visit (i.e. two half days) to a local playgroup or a nursery to experience and observe children at play. This practical visit is an important element within the course, illustrating many of the aspects covered in the course.

Aims

Content

The following topics will be discussed:

The following aspects will be targeted in seminars:

Reading Lists

Preliminary Readings
BRUCE, T. (1992) Early Childhood Education. Hodder & Stoughton
BRUCE, T and MEGGITT, C. (1999) Child Care and Education. 2nd edn.. Hodder and Stoughton

Books
RODGER, R. (1999) Planning an Appropriate Curriculum for the Under Fives. David Fulton
QCA. (1999) Early Learning Goals (on entering compulsory education).
Starting with Quality. Report of the committee of enquiry into the quality of the educational experiences offered to 3 and 4 year olds - chaired by Angela Rumbold.. HMSO
BRUCE, T. (1992) Time to Play in Early Childhood Education. Hodder & Stoughton
ACAC. (1996) Desirable Outcomes for Children's Learning Before Compulsory School Age.
DRURY, R, MILLER, L & CAMPBELL, R. (2000) Looking at Early Years Education and Care. David Fulton
MOYLES, J R. (1989) Just Playing? The Role & Status of Play in Early Childhood Education. Open University Press
CLEAVE, A, JOWETT, S & BATE, N. And So To School. NFER Nelson
The Children Act Vol 2 - Family Support, Day Care and Educational Provision for Young Children.. HMSO
TIZARD, B and HUGHES, M. (1984) Young Children Learning. Fontana
DONALDSON, M, GRIEVE, R & PRATT, C. Early Childhood Development and Education. Basil Blackwell