Foundation Degree Level 5 Play and Recreation Barriers to learning Lecturer: Laura Griffiths

Lesson Aim:  The aim of this lesson is to identify the barriers children may face when learning through play.

Learning Outcomes:  By the end of this lesson you will be able to….  Identify the barriers faced when learning through play  Distinguish between the four main styles of learning  Identify your own learning style  Describe how learning styles are incorporated into the current early years curriculum framework

Discussion Point:  What is the Foundation Phase?  How was the Foundation Phase researched?  How was the Foundation Phase developed and implemented?  Where did the inspiration for the Foundation Phase originate from? Why was this of interest?  What does the Foundation Phase emphasise?

Discussion Point:  How does this impact upon children’s learning?  What is the role of play in children’s learning?  What is the role of the practitioner in the FP?  What are the areas of learning? how is this educational?  Does any of the information you have found link to any educational theories?

Barriers:  Unfortunately learning through play is not always as easy as first thought.  What barriers to learning though play can you identify and how would you propose these barriers could be overcome?

Barriers to learning through play  Some children do not understand the concept of playing.  The facilities that are available to the school/setting.  The children’s style of learning may not lend itself to tactile hands on work.  The world is quickly becoming very interactive – this often deters from active involvement.  Funding  Staff knowledge / training  Attitudes

Learning Styles:  To truly understand how children learn you must have an understanding of learning styles  What learning style are you? What learning style are you?

Task: How are learning styles incorporated into the Foundation Phase.  Research into the four main learning styles V.A.R.K  Describe how each learning style could be incorporated into children’s play within the Foundation Phase.  In small groups plan a day for a five year old child which incorporates all areas of learning and each learning style.