“It’s our polite nudge in the ribs to help you and your team stay organised and on task.”
This week’s subject is Child directed learning
Element 1.2.3: Child directed learning
Each child’s agency is promoted, enabling them to make choices and decisions that influence events and their world.
What strategies do educators implement as a part of their pedagogical practice to ensure that children’s learning is self-directed?
A child directed approach to learning occurs when children lead their learning through exploring, experimenting, investigating and being creative. Educators use their knowledge of children’s interests, needs and abilities to set up the environment to spark interest and encourage exploration. Child directed learning promotes children’s agency, allows educators to respond to their needs and builds on their existing strengths and knowledge, builds their confidence and supports children to develop a strong sense of identity.
When children have opportunities to make choices, to attempt tasks, to make decisions for themselves, and to take on increasing responsibilities, they are able to recognise their influence and significance in the world and develop skills in assessing risk. Guide to the NQF
When educators focus on children’s play, listen to, acknowledge, and respect their ideas and questions they are empowering children to take ownership of their learning, experiences and development. Educators can support children in their learning by allowing them to make their own decisions and recognise the impact of those decisions on themselves, the environment and their peers.
Resources for families:
Letting your child lead play: activities for children 0-6 years
Resources for services:
We Hear You- Making bubbles: Scientific research in early childhood settings
Within System7 go to Quality Area 1/Module 6 to submit self-assessment notes and if required, open a QIP issue if you identify any areas of improvement.
The Childcare Centre Desktop has a range of resources to assist services with Child directed learning. These include Educational Program Policy, Educational Program and Practice Procedure, Program Template and Activity Modules.
Resources, NQS Element, Regulation and System7 links:
Childcare Centre Desktop – Childcare Centre Desktop
National Quality Standard – QA 1/ 1.2.3- Child directed learning
National Regulations – 73, 74, 155, 156
System7 Module – QA 1/ Module 6
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