There are numerous developmental and learning theories that are critical to the early childhood education field.

Task 1 

There are numerous developmental and learning theories that are critical to the early childhood education field. It is important that you understand the theories and the theorists. Understanding both will aid in your career as an early childhood educator and will help you progress in future classes.

Make yourself a Developmental and Learning Theories Quick Reference Guide. 

Include enough information about each bullet listed below to make it CLEAR you understand it. Your text is your only resource.

1. Cognitive theory / Jean Piaget

What is the big idea,      significance of his cognitive theory?

constructivism

4 stages (what are they, what      do they mean)

assimilation

accommodation

importance of language

2. Psychosocial Theory / Erik Erikson

What is the significance of the      stages overall, what is the main point of the theory?

• 8 stages of psychosocial      development – what are they, how do children benefit (only detail the      first four stages)

3. Sociocultural Theory / Lev Vygotsky

• What is the big idea,      significance of the theory?

zone of proximal development

• scaffolding

play, social interactions

• importance of small group work

role of language

• 4. Humanistic Theory / Abraham Maslow

What is the main point of the      theory?

• Hierarchy of needs 

5. Ecological Systems Theory / Urie Bronefenbrenner –

What is the big idea,      significance of this theory?

What are each of the systems?

How do they influence child      development?

• 6. Behaviorism / Watson, Skinner

What is the big idea,      significance of this theory?

• Classical conditioning

Operant conditioning

Modeling

Positive and negative      reinforcements

One slide that has the textbook citation in APA style.

• Task 2 

Play is integral to how children learn. Use your textbook, the NAEYC website, and this link to learn about the importance of and the stages of play.

• https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/the_power_of_play_part_1_stages_of_play (Links to an external site.)

Continue your PowerPoint presentation and add three slides:

• Slide 1. 4-6 bullets that describe the importance of play in learning

Slide 2. List the stages of play and a brief description of each stage

• Slide 3. Write 3-5 bullets of why it is important for teachers to know the stages of play