What are some examples of cooperation that you have experienced in your own life? What are some examples of cooperation from history that you know of? What about some modern examples from our society?

Part one
What are some examples of cooperation that you have experienced in your own life? What are some examples of cooperation from history that you know of? What about some modern examples from our society?

Do you believe cooperation is a natural instinct for humans? Why or why not? What kind of things do you think influence whether humans are more cooperative or competitive?

How do you think our social class (e.g., being working class, middle class, or upper class) might affect our social value orientation – whether we are competitive, individualistic, or cooperative?

In what ways do you think education and learning might depend on cooperation? Are there times when competition can improve learning, based on your experience?

Part Two

1. In your own words, explain Vygotsky’s concept of “tools of the mind.” What are some examples of these mental tools? How do they help us, and why do you think might be important?
2. What is Vygotsky’s perspective on the role of language in thinking? Do you agree with Vygotsky, based on your own experiences? Why or why not?

3. How does the “Tools of the Mind” Early Childhood Education apply Vygotsky’s ideas in the classroom? What is the significance of children planning their play scenarios each day in this preschool program? Do you think this is a good approach to preschool education? Why or why not?

4. In the last couple slides of the PowerPoint this week on Cognitive Development, we see “private speech” which Vygotsky did research on. In the video on slide 6, what does the young girl seem to be doing with her “self-talk” (another name for private speech). What mental functions could she be using language to help her with?

Part Three

. Why is “play” so essential in school and childhood? What new knowledge could be gained when children play with others with different life experiences (for instance, a child who grew up with two mothers, relevant to the book’s example)?
2. The chapter on the power of play ends with a statement that great thinkers like Einstein and Vygotsky thought that play is not a frivolity but essential to the mind and human spirit. Why do you think anyone would disagree with such a statement? If this is true, why do you think there is so little play in our schools these days? How can we make playful teaching methods available to all children?
3. Based on the article “Playing while Black” what additional obstacles to enjoying play during childhood do Black children face due to racism? From your own experience, do you think that schools in more affluent communities tend to have more playtime than school in less wealthy communities? Why or why not?
4. Why do you think sociodramatic play is considered the most “advanced” or mature form of play? What does this type of play involve? What could make this type of play in particular so beneficial to children?

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