ECE1005 Thinking and Movement in Early Childhood Education (FOEDU)

Semester 1 (ONC)Toowoomba (EXT)Toowoomba

Units 1.0 (Teacher Education: Early Child) Band 5

Pre-requisite: All students will require access to an early childhood centre or access to a gymnasium with a Kindergym program, child observation facilities or a child/children known to them privately, in order to observe motor development and try out ideas for motor programs. State law in Queensland (Australia) requires that all adults working/undertaking professional experience/researching with children under the age of 18, in the state of Queensland are required to possess a current suitability card (Blue Card). (See "Other Requirements" for further information.) Also see: http://www.childcomm.qld.gov.au/employment/bluecard/informationSheets.html.

Synopsis

This course examines young children's exploration of space, materials, environments and the potential of their own bodies through physical activity to establish a basis for skilful movement, creative problem solving and a positive image of self and active play. The course introduces the importance of movement education in the 21st century, customising movement experiences for individual development and group collaboration. The course addresses play as an educative vehicle that supports movement as well as emphasising the importance of adding moments of movement into the day for infants. Physical experiences for young children from birth to eight years will be related to children's thinking, sequential movement development, and contextual issues. Emphasis will be placed on children's personal achievement, self esteem and attitude towards physical activity. This course emphasises literacy correctness in all its forms.