You will cover 3 modules within your first semester which focus on the Independent Learner, The Developing Child and Constructs of Childhood. We ensure that the teaching is interactive, informative and we value your views! We use a range of strategies such as discussions, case studies, videos, and seminars to engage you in your learning.

The Independent Learner (20 Credits Compulsory): This module supports the transition to study in a Higher Education environment. Generic key transferable skills, such as communication, information technology, problem solving, working with others and improving one’s own learning, will be introduced and practiced. Links will also be made to other modules being studied in semester one, namely, The Developing Child and Constructs of Childhood in order to provide an early childhood context to the module. The nature and demand of becoming a successful university student will be analysed with reference to the role played by directed and self-directed study on a university course, with care of self being emphasised, using seminal theory to support individual perspectives. Students will audit their own skills, identify aspects that need improving and devise plans for self-development in those areas.

The Developing Child (20 Credits Compulsory): This module will develop students’ knowledge and understanding of babies and young children’s development, learning and care. The module will focus on physical, cognitive, brain, language, social and emotional aspects of development. Students will also consider the importance of holistic development and care with reference to the work of Bronfenbrenner. The students will explore a variety of theories of learning and development and consider the implications of these for educational practice and care in relation to the current Early Years Curriculum. Key theorists explored include: Piaget, Bronfenbrenner, Bruner, Vygotsky, Skinner, Chomsky and Wood among others. We will also investigate individual factors that impact on child development such as culture, health, transition, attachment and environmental factors. It will consider the idea of learning as a social process. The role of the Early Years practitioner will be discussed in relation to observing, supporting and caring for the developing child.

Constructs of Childhood (20 Credits Compulsory): Childhood is defined largely through the attitudes, beliefs and values of particular societies at particular times. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, this module will promote an understanding of how childhood has changed or is different and continues to be socially constructed. This leads to a number of contested discourses for example: Romantic, Puritan, Utilitarian and Developmental which continue to influence policy and practice in the Early Childhood context. This module will also make reference to students own experiences of childhood and will explore how this, alongside other constructs, are influenced and represented through a variety of means such as media imagery, children’s literature and artefacts from a range of sources. Students will be encouraged to consider the potential implications for their practice in Early Childhood in respect of dominant discourses around childhood for example the emphasis on children’s ‘care and protection’ in the dominant romantic discourse.

Mondays 14:00-17:00pm

Tuesdays 9:00am-12:00pm

Fridays 9:00am-12:00pm

Full details of your individual academic timetable will be available on mynewman after you have completed online enrolment and set up your student login.

Before you begin your course you may find it beneficial to carry out some of the activities below which will help you in your first modules.

• Take time to think about your favourite book from your early childhood. Also think back to your favourite childhood story. How did it make you feel? Reflect on why this may still be important to you today. Did you enjoy playing as a child? Why?
•  Please look at the sections relating to play in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) (DfE, 2021) Available on the DfE website. What are your thoughts on the importance of play in any curriculum for young children (0-7 years)? Please make brief notes on the above two activities, of no more than 250 words, above and bring these along with you to the taught sessions to share. You might also,
• Write 500 words on your experiences of working with young children. What ages and activities have you been involved in?
• Write a review of your favourite children’s book. Why do you like it? How could you use it with children?
• Produce a list of key developmental steps in your life. When did you learn to walk/talk? What were your first words?
• What do you remember from your childhood? Illustrate through images/drawings key memories

The texts below will provide a good grounding in some of the issues that we will consider in the first year of the course:

ECU411 Independent Learner

Cottrell, S. (2013) The study skills handbook. 4th edn. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

Cottrell, S. (2011) Critical thinking skills: developing effective analysis and argument. 2nd edn. London: Palgrave.

Marshall, P. (2012) How to study and learn: your practical guide to effective study skills. 4th edn. Plymouth: How to Books.

ECU412 The Developing Child

Doherty, J. and Hughes, M. (2014) Child development: theory and practice 0-11. 2nd edn. Essex: Pearson.

Keenan, T., Evans, S. and Crowley, K. (2016) An introduction to child development. 3rd edn. London: Sage.

ECU413 Constructs of Childhood

Aries, P. (1996) Centuries of childhood. London: Pimlico. Heywood, C. (2014) A history of childhood. Oxford: Polity Press.

McDowall Clark, R. (2010) Childhood in society for education studies. Exeter: Learning Matters.

Powell, S. and Smith, K. (2017) An introduction to early childhood studies. London: Sage.

Waller, T. & Davies, G. (2014) An Introduction to Early Childhood, London: Sage.

Meet the Team

This pre recorded information will give you a chance to virtually meet your tutors.

Meet the Team – Deb Harris

Meet the Team – Mark Cronin

Meet the Team – Kate Dudley

Meet the Team – Jane Beniston

Semester 1 Modules

This pre recorded information will give you a chance to learn about the modules you will be undertaking, delivered by the tutors who will be working with you.

Introduction to the module: Constructs of Childhood

Introduction to the module: Child Development

Introduction to the module: The Independent Learner