Advanced play and pedagogy in early childhood settings

In this unit, you will examine the established discourse of play in early childhood education, reflecting on the post-structural approaches relating to the theories of play and pedagogy.  In this context, you will critically review children’s (aged from birth to 8 years old) play and pedagogy, examining needs and patterns of play, that result in increased agency, self-regulation and self-control. Through an interrogation of the theoretical foundations in both national and international literature, this unit will extend the current discourse, using a socio-cultural lens, exploring how play is developed and used as a means of interpretation within early childhood. You will consider how you can apply this advanced understanding, using interpretive methods, to examine children’s choices and the construction of relationships. The unit will link contemporary socio-cultural theory to a consideration of how play is situated within shifting power relationships, challenging the dominant truths relating to play. This unit will support your ability to lead pedagogical practice change and develop an advanced understanding of praxis in play and pedagogy.