Learning Framework
We see children as unique and capable individuals, who come to our service with their own interests, talents, skills, and ideas. We value the role of play in learning.
Play based learning
Avoca Beach Preschool recognises and values the benefits of learning through play.
Play based learning provides children with opportunities to engage with people actively and imaginatively, use resources, objects and the environment to co-construct their own learning. Children are naturally wired to do the very thing that helps them to learn – play! Learning through play promotes the holistic development (physical, social, emotional, cognitive and creativeness) of a child. One of the greatest benefits of playing is to assist with the building of social competence. Children can build friendships, learn to resolve conflicts, regulate their own emotions and behaviours. Playing is a known stress relief and often linked to child wellbeing.
At Avoca Beach Preschool, we encourage calculated risk challenges during play and the endorse the benefits to development during physically active play. Physical play allows children to test all types of motor skills. It promotes significant health and wellbeing advantages. When children are physically challenges, they form stronger pathways and dispositions for learning.
Early Years Learning Framework (E.Y.L.F)
belonging, being & becoming
The Early Years learning Framework, along with the National Quality Standards, forms the guidelines and policies around early childhood education and care in Australia. It outlines the basis for early childhood educators to scaffold, extend and enrich children’s development and learning. It recognises the vital importance of rapid brain development in the first five years. The E.Y.L.F is made up of learning outcomes, principles and practices, which educators use in their documenting of children’s learning and reflecting in their planning and practice.
outcomes
- Children have a strong sense of identity.
- Children are connected with and contribute to their world.
- Children have a strong sense of wellbeing.
- Children are confident and involved learners.
- Children are effective communicators.
principles
- Secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships.
- Partnerships with families.
- High expectations and equity.
- Respect for diversity.
- Ongoing learning and effective practice.
practices
- Holistic approaches.
- Responsiveness to children.
- Learning through play.
- Intentional teaching.
- Learning environments.
- Cultural competence
- Continuity of learning and transitions.
- Evaluating children’s learning and wellbeing.
Documenting children’s learning
Each day, our educators record their program of learning and create a daybook that is displayed in each room.
It is a snapshot of the planning and implementation that has taken place, with a focus the learning outcomes achieved and aimed for. There is a photographic slideshow of the adventures and activities of the day displayed on a monitor in each classroom. Also, around the classrooms there will be representations of children’s learning through artworks, investigation and inquiry topics alongside displays of interest areas and activities that are taking place.
Observations of each child’s development is recorded, reflected upon and planned by educators regularly. Interactions, conversations, magic moments, photos, work samples and learning stories are all captured to create the journey of growth and learning for every child during their time at Avoca Beach Preschool. These observations, documentations of learning, artwork and photos are placed into an individual portfolio for every child. The portfolios are a work in progress as children grow with us throughout their time here and are then completed and handed over to take home at the end of each year, they are a wonderful and special representation of a child’s time with us and are a lovely keepsake.