Laser Lessons - Lesson

Understand theoretical perspectives and philosophical approaches which support play / Be able to apply theoretical perspectives and philosophical approaches in planning play opportunities

The video, filmed by Laser Learning, looks at practitioners interacting with children and some of the theories behind their practice.The video looks at Vgotsky’s zone of actual development compared to the zone of proximal development. It also looks at both Bandura’s and Bruner’s social learning theories. Watch the video and make notes. Can you see how the theories fit into your own practice?

Table of Contents

Tutorial Video
Tutorial Video
Reading Materials

Laser Learning reading text: ‘Philosophical approaches and play theories'
‘Free play in early childhood: A literature review’ by Play England
‘Children’s play needs at different ages’ by A Chance to Play

Presentation

Click to launch this lesson's first presentation on 'Is play necessary?'
Click to launch this lesson's second presentation on 'Philosophical approaches to play'.

Good Practice Example
Good Practice Example
Good Practice Example
Good Practice Example
Interactive Quiz
Evidence Opportunities
Extended Learning

Click on the icon to the left to the Simply Psychology website to read this article on the ‘Montessori Theory Of Education’.
Click on the icon to the left to read this document from Education Scotland ‘The Reggio Emilia Approach to Early Years Education’ which looks at the Reggio Approach and how it fits into early years education. Scotland has its own early years framework but it is similar to the EYFS.
Click on the icon to read this article ‘What is Steiner education’ from the Steiner Waldorf Schools Fellowship.
Click on the icon to the left to read this article ‘Different Approaches to Teaching: Comparing Three Preschool Programs’ by Amy Sussna Klein. The article also includes the High Scope approach to teaching, and covers the main components, curriculum and environmental set up of each approach, as well as looking at how to tell if a school is fully following the approach.
Read the summary report for the ‘Play for a Change: Play, Policy and Practice: A review of contemporary perspectives’ document produced by Play England and the National Children’s Bureau. Click on the icon to the right.
Borrow and look at ‘Evolutionary Playwork’ by Bob Hughes (Routledge 2nd Edition 2011). His first chapter looks at how playwork has evolved over the last 40 years.
Borrow and read the first chapter of ‘Foundations of Playwork’ edited by Fraser Brown and Chris Taylor (Open University Press 2008). Part one of the book is all about Playwork theory and practice so you can read any of the chapters in this section.
NB You do not have to buy these books. They should be available to borrow from your local library or setting.

Think And Challenge
Think And Challenge