CONT802: Kindergarten Part 2
In this course, you will deepen your understanding of play-based and inquiry-driven approaches that honour the natural curiosity and developmental needs of young learners. This course invites you to explore the intersection between theory and practice as you examine how thoughtfully designed environment, meaningful documentation and responsive interactions create powerful learning opportunities for kindergarten learners. Through collaborative inquiry and critical reflection, you will strengthen your ability to create inclusive spaces where diverse learners can thrive while building foundations for their learning journey.
Your professional growth in this course extends beyond classroom walls, encouraging you to see kindergarten education through multiple lenses. By engaging with contemporary research, sharing insights with colleagues, and applying concepts in practical ways, you will refine your professional identity and philosophical approach to early learning. This course celebrates the complexity and joy of kindergarten education while providing you with confidence to advocate for developmentally appropriate, play-based approaches in your professional context.
Learning Outcomes
What You Will Learn and Do
In this course, you will
- explore and enhance professional practices, knowledge and pedagogical approaches related to play-based and inquiry-driven learning in kindergarten
- design, apply and facilitate dialogue about inclusive learning environments that reflect diversity, equity and inclusion while addressing systemic barriers for young learners
- design and integrate innovative approaches to curriculum planning, assessment and evaluation that honour the holistic nature of early learning
- explore pedagogical documentation as a tool for making learning visible, informing responsive practice and strengthening partnerships with families
- integrate evidence-based strategies that promote self-regulation, well-being and healthy development across biological, emotional, cognitive, social and prosocial domains
- develop and assess outdoor learning experiences, land-based pedagogies and Indigenous perspectives within culturally responsive kindergarten programs
- engage in critical reflection, collaborative inquiry and research to advance professional efficacy, leadership practices and the scholarship of teaching in kindergarten education
Assessments
Module 1
Foundations of Play-Based and Inquiry Learning
Module 2
Building Responsive and Inclusive Learning Environments
Progress Update 1
Module 3
Mathematics, Literacy and STEM
Module 4
Pedagogical Documentation and Assessment
Progress Update 2
Module 5
Supporting Self-Regulation and Well-Being
Module 6
Outdoor Learning and Land-Based Pedagogies
Progress Update 3
Module 7
Course Consolidation
Final Report