This module is an inquiry into, Early Years Approaches to learning; Learner Profile Attributes and Symbolic Exploration and Expressions and has been designed as a continuation of the previous module and focuses on approaches to learning, learner profile attributes, and symbolic exploration and expressions in early years learners. By engaging in this inquiry, early years teachers will develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to create rich, inquiry-driven learning environments that foster thinking, communication, and creative expression in young learners.
Learner Outcomes:
By the end of this course, teacher learners will be able to:
- Recognize the importance of Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills in fostering inquiry, independence, and holistic development in young learners.
- Explain the role of symbolic exploration and expression in cognitive, emotional, and social development.
- Design and implement inquiry-based learning engagements that nurture thinking, research, communication, social, and self-management skills.
- Guide children in questioning, observing, and exploring their environment to develop curiosity and problem-solving skills.
- Create opportunities for symbolic representation using storytelling, role-play, drawing, music, and movement.
- Facilitate open-ended play experiences that allow children to express ideas and emotions creatively.
- Use multimodal communication (verbal, visual, kinesthetic) to support children’s symbolic expression.
- Observe and document how children use symbols, gestures, and imaginative play to make meaning of the world.
- Model and encourage inquiry, reflection, open-mindedness, and communication in daily learning experiences.
- Provide learning environments that support caring, principled, and risk-taking behaviors in young learners.
- Teacher: Sangeeta Pratti