Singapore University of Social Sciences

Supporting Children’s Well-Being and Joyful Learning

Supporting Children’s Well-Being and Joyful Learning (ECE105)

Synopsis

ECE105 Supporting Children’s Well-Being and Joyful Learning explores ways in which early childhood educators can guide and scaffold young children’s everyday learning through the provision of nurturing and responsive environments. The course encourages educators to re-think children’s challenging misbehaviours, to explore diverse ways to support children’s natural curiosity and their individual strengths; and to guide them into becoming relational and caring citizens. The concept of child-centred pedagogy and its implications for early childhood care and education settings (birth-8) are examined in light of existing cultural values and beliefs steeped in the Singapore context. The role of early childhood educators in building an inclusive community that nurtures children with diverse needs and interests is also discussed.

Level: 1
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: -

Topics

  • An introduction to child-centred pedagogy
  • Quality teacher child interactions: The need for warmth and responsiveness
  • Understanding common needs and interests of infants
  • Understanding common needs and interests of toddlers
  • Understanding common needs and interests of pre-schoolers and older children
  • Rethinking ‘misbehaviours’ to understand individual children’s thinking
  • Recognising the three levels of mistaken behaviours
  • Pro-active measures through daily routines and transitions
  • Pro-active measures that build an encouraging –environment
  • Children’s physical and psychological safety and wellbeing
  • Nurturing children’s social competence and healthy risk-taking
  • Building an inclusive community with children

Learning Outcome

  • Explain the importance of child-centred pedagogy
  • Describe the role of child-centred pedagogical practices in promoting young children’s wellbeing and learning
  • Illustrate ways in which the environment can be effectively used to build encouraging classrooms
  • Identify ways in which social competence can be nurtured
  • State ways to build inclusive communities in early childhood settings
  • Apply child-centred principles in providing responsive care and education in the early years
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