“It’s our polite nudge in the ribs to help you and your team stay organised and on task.”
This week’s subject: Resources for play-based learning
Element 3.2.2: Resources support play-based learning
- Resources, materials, and equipment allow for multiple uses, are sufficient in number, and enable every child to engage in play-based learning.
- Does your service ensure that a variety of age appropriate, multipurpose equipment, materials and resources are consistently available for children’s use?
- How does the organisation of the indoor and outdoor environment and equipment allow for a variety of uses by children and educators?
- How do we arrange indoor and outdoor spaces that support children’s access to materials and equipment?
- What equipment do we provide that allows for multiple uses?
Services must provide adequate resources and equipment that suit the ages, abilities and interests of the children and allow children the opportunity to become more engaged in their play experiences without interruptions such as having to share the equipment they’re using. This will reduce wait times and minimise the frequency of disputes amongst children. School age care services will require a broader variety of developmentally and age-appropriate resources and equipment to meet the needs of all children.
Obtain input from children when purchasing new equipment, particularly in school age care settings. Review the resource catalogue with the children & seek input when choosing specific resources such as construction materials, sporting equipment, reading books, games, craft supplies etc.
School age care settings provide children with play and leisure activities in which they experience fun, enjoyment, mastery and success (Framework for School Age Care, p. 32). Services should consider how they offer appropriate levels of challenge to encourage school age children to explore, experiment and take appropriate risks (Framework for School Age Care, p. 34), as they learn to regulate themselves and contribute to the social environment (Framework for School Age Care, p. 32).
Resources:
Quality Area 3- Physical Environment
We Hear You- Physical Environment
Within System7 go to Quality Area 3/Module 9 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 element 3.2.2. These include Equipment and Resource Audit-Guide and Record,Toy and Equipment Cleaning Register (LDC, OSHC, FDC), Furniture and Equipment Safety Policy (LDC, OSHC, FDC) and much more.
Resources, NQS Element, Regulation and System7 links
Childcare Centre Desktop – Childcare Centre Desktop
National Quality Standard – QA 3/ 3.2.2- Resources Support Play Based Learning
National Regulations – 73, 105, 113
System7 Module – QA 3/ Module 9
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