The curriculum NZ Early Years Curriculumhas a role in shaping future Essay

The curriculum NZ Early Years Curriculumhas a role in shaping future identities. (Ross, 2000, p.149) - Essay ExampleInfants, toddlers and pre-schoolers derive much benefit from a play-based curriculum, and under the supervision of knowledgeable and caring adults, it is a powerful method in facilitating the development of nipperrens identities. This paper will explore one of the definitions of identicalness as cited in Webber (n.d.) Identity is a socially constructed phenomenon related to the societal context in which individuals live. It is also very much a personal process. Erikson(1980) understood that ones identity is something that is both self-created and bestowed upon the individual by the culture(p 13) (as cited in Webber, n.d., p. 14) Pedagogical models with strong sociocultural features such as Te Whariki do not leave play to chance but sustains it through complex reciprocal and responsive relationships as well as provision of activities which are socially constructed and mediated (Wood, 2004). Not only do activities promote self-awareness but also incorporate cultural awareness which strengthens childrens cultural identities. ... Play is a childs world. It is an avenue where one can be free to be oneself without anyone imposing rules or restrictions to conform to societys standards. Play offers many benefits that value childrens learning. It engages the mind to actively imagine conglomerate scenarios for fun or for problem-solving. Te Wharikis strand of Mana Aoturoa (Exploration) encourages childrens active exploration of the environment because in doing so, they learn many strategies for active exploration, thinking and reasoning as well as developing theories in understanding their world (MOE, 1996). Babies and toddlers play in social club to get to know how things work, how people react, etc. They get to explore and discover things that otherwise they will not learn about if they do not actively engage in play. This free exploration is consid ered Heuristic play by Holland (2003) and encourages it without adult intervention. Adults provide simple materials and allow the childs imagination to buck off. The child learns from observing directly what these objects will do or not do, in sharp contrast to much of the educational equipment which has a event predetermined by the design which has been devised by the adult maker (Holland, 2003, p. 142). Not only will heuristic play stimulate a childs thinking, but it also develops his creativity as he will see in his mind endless possibilities in imaginatively transforming ordinary objects into various things with various functions. Young children learn better in play- like settings because they retain concepts better when learned in the spirit of fun. Macintyre (2003) discusses the value of play in all the developmental areas of children. Children love games that stimulate thinking. Such cognitive benefits