Course Resources Archive

This module seeks to enhance students' understanding of children's play and to analyse critically the implications for professional practice within the context of their role in supporting children's play . It supports students to engage with and synthesise diverse approaches to the study of play and provides a theoretical and practical foundation for all modules. As the compulsory opening module for the Postgraduate Certificate programme, there is also an early focus on critical thinking and enquiry skills.

This module critically examines historical and contemporary disciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches to the study of children's play including:

• an appraisal of theoretical perspectives and rhetorics of play;
• synthesising key characteristics and unique design features of play;
• appraising the range of children's play behaviours;
• critical awareness of the complex relationship between play, development and well-being

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• application of new understanding to analyse children’s play behaviours;
• consider implications of new learning for professional practice.

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

1. demonstrate a critical understanding of diverse theories of play;
2. evidence an enhanced appreciation of the relationship between play, development and well-being;
3. an ability tosynthesise and apply theoretical perspectives to analyse children's play behaviours;
4. consider implications of new understanding for professional practice.

200 hours, comprising intensive study days, distance learning and directed independent study:
Staff/student contact (study days, online discussions, tutorials, group discussions): 20%
Student directed learning: 80%

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.