With the increase of academic requirements in the primary grades, opportunities for play and creativity have decreased. Th

Discussion 2: International Perspectives on Meaningful Learning Experiences for Young Children

With the increase of academic requirements in the primary grades, opportunities for play and creativity have decreased. There is a substantial amount of research supporting the benefits of play, creativity, and movement related to building on individual strengths, meeting children’s needs, and enhancing learning environments in children of all ages.

For this Discussion, you will explore multiple perspectives on play, creativity, the arts, and/or in early childhood learning environments and how these contribute to meaningful learning

To Prepare:

Review the Required Resources for this module and consider the role of play, creativity, the arts, and/or movement in early childhood settings. In addition, use the Walden library to locate at least one additional peer-reviewed article that provides an international perspective on how play, creativity, the arts, and/or movement may contribute to meaningful learning experiences for young children.

By Day 3 of Week 11

Post a response to the following: 

· What insights have you gained about how to support meaningful learning for young children? Which element(s) do you think most vital and why? (Support with resources)

· Summarize one article that provides an international perspective and note any new insights you may have gained from the article.

· What questions do you have about your role in supporting meaningful learning experiences?

· What area(s) for further study emerge from your learning in this course?

REFERENCES

https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eue&AN=96652134&site=ehost-live&scope=site&authtype=shib&custid=s6527200

http://families.naeyc.org/learning-and-development/child-development/five-essentials-meaningful-play

http://www.earlychildhoodteacher.org/blog/want-authentic-learning-dont-forget-that-children-have-bodies/

http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/sept10/vol68/num01/What-Makes-Kids-Do-Good-Work%C2%A2.aspx