ELIS 2601 - Development, Learning and the Arts
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 03, CRN 41869,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Crystal Ratican
Email: clratican@ysu.edu
Course Description
2601. Development, Learning and the Arts. This course examines the theoretical foundations and application of developmental and post-developmental pedagogical approaches to whole child education and the arts in the P-2 classroom. Candidates will explore a variety of arts-based, play-based, relational, and interdisciplinary teaching strategies that respond to contemporary educational research in early childhood education. Field hours required. Prereq.: EDFN 1501. 3 s.h.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | Child Development: An Active Learning Approach | Levine, L. E., & Munsch, J. |
Levine, L. E., & Munsch, J. (2022). Child Development: An Active Learning Approach
(4th ed.). SAGE Publications.
National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2022). Developmentally
Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth
Through Age 8 (4th ed.). NAEYC.
Whole Child Education. http://www.wholechildeducation.org/
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Week of | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/24 | Levine Ch. 1—Issues and Themes in Child Development Levine Ch. 2—Theories of Development DAP Text Ch. 3 Appendix | Course Overview Module 1 Introduction to Child Development | Quiz 1 |
| 8/31 | Levine Ch. 4—Nature Through Nurture DAP Text Ch. 2 – The Principles in Practice: Understanding Child Development and Learning in Context | Module 2 Nature/Nature Child Development in Context | Quiz 2 Assignment: Practical Application of Early Childhood Development Theory |
| 9/7 | Module 2 Nature/Nature Child Development in Context | ||
| 9/14 | Levine Ch. 7—Cognitive Development Levine Ch. 8—Intelligence and Academic Achievement Levine Ch. 9—Language Development | Module 3 Cognitive and Language Development | Quiz 3 Assignment: Cognitive and Language Development |
| 9/21 | Module 3 Cognitive and Language Development | ||
| 9/28 | https://www.americansforthearts.org/by-topic/arts-education https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Learning-in-Ohio/Fine-Arts/Fine-Arts-Standards | Module 4 Development through the Arts | Quiz 4 Assignment: Development Through the Arts Lesson |
| 10/5 | Module 4 Development through the Arts | ||
| 10/12 | Levine Ch. 10—Emotional Development and Attachment Levine Ch. 12—Social Development | Module 5 Social and Emotional Development | Quiz 5 |
| 10/19 | DAP Text Ch. 3 – Context Matters: Reframing Teaching in Early Childhood Education DAP Text Ch. 6 – Creating a Caring, Equitable Community of Learners | Module 6 Creating a Caring, Equitable Community of Learners | Quiz 6 Assignment: Lesson to develop social/emotional skills |
| 10/26 | https://www.naeyc.org/resources/topics/special-education | Module 7 Welcoming Children with Special Needs | Quiz 7 Assignment: Screening Assessment |
| 11/2 | Whole Child Education website: wholechildeducation.org Field Work (10 hours) | Module 8 The Whole Child Approach to Child Development | Quiz 8 Assignment: Field Journal Entries |
| 11/9 | Module 9 Introduction to Planning and Implementing Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum | Module 9 Introduction to Planning and Implementing Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum | Quiz 9 Assignment: DAP Critical Task Lesson Plans |
| 11/16 | Module 9 Introduction to Planning and Implementing Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum | ||
| 11/23 | Levine Ch. 13 – Partnering With Families DAP Text Ch. 7 – Engaging in Reciprocal Partnerships with Families and Fostering Community Connections | Module 10 Partnering with Families | Assignment: Communication |
| 11/30 | Module 10 Partnering with Families | ||
| 12/7 | Final Exam | Course Conclusion | Final Exam |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.