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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Drama & Early Childhood Education
Module Code EDP1009 (ITS: AP304)
Faculty DCU Institute of Education School Arts Education & Movement
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Description

This module deepens student knowledge of the role of drama in the learning and development of young children. Theories relating to sociodramatic and fantasy play are covered and students explore how these impact current professional practices in play and drama. Students learn through practical, creative pedagogies how to plan for and support children’s sociodramatic play. Engagement with professional settings provide a foundation for understanding the educator’s role in using drama to extend children’s engagement in dramatic play worlds. Through creativity and reflective practice, students develop skills which enable them to implement drama experiences for all children in early childhood classrooms.

Learning Outcomes

1. 1E031971-9CCE-0001-B8F9-3E701AF0138E
2. Explain the professional role of the adult in inclusively supporting play and drama in the early years as outlined in the Primary Curriculum and Aistear: The Early Years Framework.
5. 1
6. 1E14A9DB-CEE7-0001-9151-DFE71E101B1A
7. Describe the role and significance of the child’s engagement in sociodramatic play and drama.
10. 2
11. 1E14A9DB-D136-0001-D54B-16261E5819F8
12. Discuss the role of drama and the creative arts in early childhood education.
15. 3
16. 1E14A9DB-D7D6-0001-EE7B-1AE1869D1FB9
17. Identify and apply appropriate pedagogical approaches in teaching drama in the early years.
20. 4
21. 1E14A9DB-E156-0001-C58C-674016101295
22. Plan, implement, assess and reflect on, creative and motivating learning experiences that contribute to the child’s engagement in sociodramatic play and drama.
25. 5
26. 1E14A9DB-E815-0001-2B4F-1760E54AC7B0
27. Explore the concept of the educator as a co-player in early years drama experiences.
30. 6


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Workshop22Creative, reflective drama workshops.
Independent Study88Reading, planning, creating, researching, assignment preparation, group collaboration, presentation
Assessment Feedback13Planning and designing whole school plan
Online activity2Podcast lecture
Total Workload: 125
Section Breakdown
CRN20258Part of TermSemester 2
Coursework100%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsN
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorUna McCabeModule Teacher
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentAn essay which outlines a school plan for drama in the early years.100%n/a
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.

* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative Content
● Creativity, Wellbeing, Play and the Arts in Early Childhood Education ● Planning and Implementing Drama within the Aistear Curriculum Framework; ● Using Teacher in Role in the Early Years; ● Professional planning and supporting sociodramatic play in school settings; ● Professional planning and supporting whole class drama in school settings; ● Assessment and Drama in the Early Years; ● Play, Drama and Literacy in the Early Years; ● Integration and Drama in the Early Years; ● Reflecting on Drama and Theatre in the Early Years.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • Una McCabe: 2020, The Role of Drama in Role Play, 1st, Routledge, London,
  • Ackroyd, Judith and Boulton, Jo: 2013, The toymaker’s workshop and other stories: drama activities for 3-7 year olds., David Fulton, London,
  • Nigel Kitson: 2015, . Children’s fantasy role play-why adults should join in, Open University Press,
  • Wood, Elizabeth: 2013, Play, Learning and the Early Childhood Curriculum, Sage,
  • Vivian Gussin-Paley: 2010, The boy on the beach: building community through play, Chicago University Press,
  • McCabe, Una: 2007, Classroom Drama A Practical Guide, C J Fallon, Dublin,
  • Krogh, S., & Morehouse, P.: 2014, The early childhood curriculum: inquiry learning through integration,, Routledge, New York,


Articles:
  • Harden, Annette: 2015, Privileging drama and dramatic play to support young children’s writing development: a full year study of one early years’ classroom, NJ, 39, 518676
  • 2017: Early childhood teacher involvement in children’s socio-dramatic play: creative drama as a scaffolding tool, Early Child Development and Care,,
Other Resources

  • 1: Website, The Learning Station, Music and Movement based ideas for early learning,
  • 415725: 1, Website, Make Believe Arts, Early Learning through the Arts organisation,
  • https://www.makebelievearts.co.uk/:

<< Back to Module List View 2024/25 Module Record for EDP1009