Discussion 1
What is play? Why is it important in the lives of children, and what role should it hold in education? How can play help promote diversity? Use this unit's video and readings to help you in this discussion
Video: Early Symbolization: A Case of Learning Through Pretense
Discussion 2
Engaging in professional development involves exploring different approaches and seeing how they fit or challenge your beliefs. Explore one of the ECE approaches or programs listed in Chapter 5 of Driscoll and Nagel. Find at least one Web site that elaborates on this approach. Then, describe the basic ideas and philosophy behind the program or approach and why it resonates with or challenges your own beliefs.
Discussion 3
As you know, your ECE portfolio must show that you have gained field experiences with the three age groups (infant/toddler, preschool, and early elementary) as well as experiences in settings providing diversity in socioeconomics, race, and special needs. Please take this time to discuss how you have met this requirement so far and what your plans are for fully meeting this requirement by the end of your program.