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ABLU-NHB Nature, health and movement

Course description for academic year 2018/2019

Contents and structure

The content of this area of knowledge is structured according to the following main themes:

  • all children in nature
  • leadership of groups of children in relation to nature, health and movement
  • health-promoting work for children and adults
  • exploration, activity, pleasure and play in all seasons of the year

 

Focus area

Consistent themes for all the areas of knowledge in the course of study are:

  • educational management
  • diversity and equality
  • the youngest children
  • child's involvement
  • didactics

 

Practice in the area of knowledge

15 days autumn

The content and tasks of practice must be in line with the learning outcome of the area of knowledge. See more detail in the guidelines for practice in bachelor degree.

 

Practical information

The candidate must cover cost of excursions themselves. Further specified in semester plan. Compensatory work requirements for excursions may be sought.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge:

After completing the subject, the candidate will have:

  • knowledge about how children communicate and learn about the world and understand themselves through body, senses and language
  • knowledge about how to support children's self-initiated learning processes through the use of various behaviour, materials and tools
  • knowledge about leadership of children and groups of children, with the emphasis on movement and exploratory play and learning processes for all children, and guidance of personnel in this regard
  • knowledge of bodily play, motor movement, outdoor activities and contemporary forms of movement in various environments
  • knowledge of physical phenomena, biological diversity and sustainable development
  • knowledge about diet, health-promoting work and ergonomics for children and adults
  • knowledge about physical, mental and motor development and motor learning in children
  • knowledge about common reasons for the place of nature, health and movement in the kindergarten
  • knowledge of educational leadership, cooperation and guidance
  • knowledge of parental cooperation in general and understanding of the importance of collaboration for children's growth and development
  • knowledge of research and development as arenas for the construction of new knowledge relevant for kindergarten

 

Skills:

After completing the subject, the candidate will:

  • be able to explore and wonder at nature and experiment with physical phenomena and with everyday technology together with children
  • be able to use appropriate materials, raw materials, techniques and tools in practical work with children and to make use of local natural Resources
  • be able to plan, implement and evaluate the need for movement, rest, varied meals and good hygiene for children in the kindergarten
  • be able to make a risk assessment of play environments, while facilitating children's mastery of risk,and together with children creating/using different spaces and environments inside, outside and in the natural surroundings
  • be able to work didactically towards an inclusive and stimulating learning environment where children's movement in play and exploration in natural science have own place.
  • be able to lead and organize pedagogical work with children and involve staffs in this work
  • be able to plan, lead and conduct conversation with parents
  • be able to reflect on the importance of partnership with parents / guardians
  • be able to use observation as a basis for qualitative and quantitative research and development in kindergarten

 

General competence

After completing the subject, the candidate will:

  • be able to work with and inspire children as participant  in their movement in play and experience of nature
  • be able to analyse and critically reflect on kindergarten routines, diet and movement activities as central qualities of life and health-promoting factors in the kindergarten
  • be able to keep informed about and make use of the opportunities in the local environment for natural science exploration and movement together with children
  • be able to take care of his or her own health in work in the kindergarten
  • be able to devise routines for safety in the kindergarten and give first aid 
  • be able to exercise professional discretion and use professional competence to meet practical and theoretical problems
  • have a good insight into the current framework of the kindergarten can be used as a starting point for activities in nature, health and movement in kindergarten

Entry requirements

Passed practice 1st semester

Recommended previous knowledge

None

Teaching methods

Practical work and various indoor and outdoor activities will be emphasised in this area of knowledge, but the course is organised in such a way that theory and practical work represent a consistent whole. Varied forms of work will be used, such as teacher-controlled and student-controlled activities, work in groups, seminar activities, lectures, group and individual guidance and independent study. Part of the active work of the student will be outside the timetable. Some of the work will take the form of excursions, some of which will be performed spontaneously depending on weather conditions. 

Compulsory learning activities

  • 80% participation in teaching (practical and theoretical)
  • Mandatory tasks
  • Pre-work in practice

more details in the semester plan.

Assessment

Kindergarten praktice - 15 days (0/100): pass/fail

Written exam - 5 hours (100/100): A-F

Examination support material

Kindergarten practice: All printed and written materials are permitted

Written exam: None permitted

More about examination support material