Describe How Children Learn, with Reference to Major Theories
Children’s learning and developmental theories
How children learn is very important in child care and in understanding how a child is to development. As children who are deprived of stimulation in early years develop slower, this statement opens up a massive debate which has been unanswered for years, the nature v nurture debate. There are 3 models of learning that cover all this debate and strive to be the correct theory they are the transmission model, the laissez-faire model and the constructivist view.
How children learn
Firstly we must look at the different ways in which children learn. There are firsthand experiences, children need to experience and understand things, you can tell a child what snow is yet they won’t understand till they experience snow for themselves. Children also learn through play, play is a massive factor in a child’s learning, ‘Play that is self-initiated and free-flowing can produce deep and meaningful learning’ (Squire pg 257) Play also helps language development through processes like role play and poetry and rhymes, its helps language as it makes it easier. Solitary play last up till a child is around 2, talking with toys and making up stories is an example of how important play can be to learning. ‘Children are active learners’ (squire pg257) Children learn at their best when they are actively involved with activities and tasks. Children are initiated by their desire to find out for themselves, this natural curiosity can lead to gross motor development like running, climbing ect, which promotes spatial awareness. Children should be encouraged to explore within safety what they desire as the outcome is beneficial to the child.
Using language is another way of learning. Early years settings try to promote language and literacy through play, role play, poems, painting, and many other ways. Engaging children in conversation can build their confidence and encouraging new vocabulary will promote the development of their language and
How children learn is very important in child care and in understanding how a child is to development. As children who are deprived of stimulation in early years develop slower, this statement opens up a massive debate which has been unanswered for years, the nature v nurture debate. There are 3 models of learning that cover all this debate and strive to be the correct theory they are the transmission model, the laissez-faire model and the constructivist view.
How children learn
Firstly we must look at the different ways in which children learn. There are firsthand experiences, children need to experience and understand things, you can tell a child what snow is yet they won’t understand till they experience snow for themselves. Children also learn through play, play is a massive factor in a child’s learning, ‘Play that is self-initiated and free-flowing can produce deep and meaningful learning’ (Squire pg 257) Play also helps language development through processes like role play and poetry and rhymes, its helps language as it makes it easier. Solitary play last up till a child is around 2, talking with toys and making up stories is an example of how important play can be to learning. ‘Children are active learners’ (squire pg257) Children learn at their best when they are actively involved with activities and tasks. Children are initiated by their desire to find out for themselves, this natural curiosity can lead to gross motor development like running, climbing ect, which promotes spatial awareness. Children should be encouraged to explore within safety what they desire as the outcome is beneficial to the child.
Using language is another way of learning. Early years settings try to promote language and literacy through play, role play, poems, painting, and many other ways. Engaging children in conversation can build their confidence and encouraging new vocabulary will promote the development of their language and
References: McLeod, S. A. (2010). Zone of Proximal Development.Retrieved from http://www.simplypsychology.org/Zone-of-Proximal-Development.html Date accessed Wednesday 31st October