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. Using PowerPoint, make yourself a Developmental and Learning Theories Quick Reference Guide. Most theories presented fall under the following major headings: Psychodynamic Behaviorist Cognitive Sociocultural Ecological Multiple Intelligence Maturation Humanistic Use these broad categories as the headings for your PowerPoint. For each heading, list each theory, theorists and major theory components that fall under the heading. Make sure to hit the highpoints of each theory, but include enough detail to make this a resource for the future. Play is integral to how children learn. Conduct Internet research to review the 6 stages of play. List and define the 6 stages of play. Fully describe at least two games or activities that demonstrate each stage of play. Make sure to list the websites as references. An early childhood education teacher is required to wear many hats. A teacher must be flexible to act in various roles and manage many responsibilities and duties. It takes a well-trained and skilled person to be able to fulfill all the required obligations of an early childhood education teacher. As you read through Chapter 5, make a list of at least 10 skills that you want/need to master to enhance your performance as a teacher and to improve student achievement. This list should be personal, specific and individualized to help you improve your skills. Finally, all three tasks should be in one presentation. Each task should be complete with connections to and citations of course related materials in proper APA format. See OWL Purdue online for help with proper formatting.
