Abigail Garcia Notes

Early Childhood Notes

How do children learn? Environment, teacher, and their experiences.
Learning from the environment- manipulatives and interactive environment
Learning from a teacher- provides positive reinforcement and is a good role
model for children to imitate (modeling-person showing someone else how to do
something)
Learning from experiences- sensory elements, trial & error, learn from mistakes,
address all areas of development
Play=learning
2 Types of Play Materials
1. Open-ended--can be used in a variety of ways, with no one correct way to play
with them
2. Closed-ended----structured materials meant to be used in one way, with one
intended outcome
Benefits of Open-ended Materials for Children
1. Develop independence
2. Learn to make decisions
3. Learn to solve problems
4. Use their imagination
Benefits of Closed-ended Materials for Children
1. Learn to follow directions
2. Develop sensory perception
3. Help develop motor skills
Factors When Selecting Toys
Consider safety such as being rounded, having smooth edges and nontoxic
Durability
Easy to Clean
Appropriate for different ages
Encourages cooperative play, not aggressive play
# of children who can use it at one time
Storage space available
Multi-purpose
Encourages active involvement, not passive observation
Teaches basic concepts
Allows for sensory learning
Enjoyed by both girls and boys (unisex)
Fun to play with