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This week’s subject is Resources support play-based learning
Element 3.2.2: Resources, materials and equipment allow for multiple uses, are sufficient in number, and enable every child to engage in play-based learning.
How does your Service maintain a wide selection of age-appropriate resources and materials in both indoor and outdoor environments that support play-based learning and encourage children and young people to interact with others, build relationships, explore and create whilst fostering a sense of belonging?
A service environment that is inclusive, promotes competence in children and supports exploration and play-based learning creates the context for children to learn and build relationships with others. Welcoming, safe, inclusive, vibrant and flexible environments support children’s exploration, creativity, learning and wellbeing, and are responsive to the individual requirements of each child. A quality physical environment caters for different learning capacities and learning styles, and encourages children and families to contribute ideas, interests, and questions. Early Years Learning Framework; Framework for School Age Care.
Services should strategically and intentionally design learning environments to ensure they’re equipped with a variety of age-appropriate resources to support play-based learning:
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- Provide an adequate number of resources for each age group, to minimise wait times and the frequency of disputes amongst children and young people
- Provide adequate space for free and uninterrupted play
- Ensure a variety of open-ended resources that can be adapted for multiple uses
- Provide a wide range of age-appropriate resources that challenge and stimulate children’s learning development, creativity and curiosity
- Set up the environment so that it’s flexible to allow children to move resources and equipment to extend learning opportunities
- Ensure resources are set up to promote an inclusive environment and meet the range of interests, curiosities, backgrounds and capabilities, to support the participation of all children and foster a sense of belonging
- Organise resources strategically to ensure appropriate and effective implementation of the program
- Provide opportunities for children to extend their play and learning by leaving out projects to allow children to come back and continue their work
- Enhance child-initiated experiences by providing access to additional resources to extend their play and scaffold their learning
- Provide a range of resources made from natural, recycled and upcycled materials
Educators should collaborate with children and obtain input from families about the selection and organisation of materials, equipment and resources. 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.
Resources:
Quality Area 3- 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 Quality Area 3. These include Environmentally Responsible Policy, Toy and Equipment Cleaning Register, Physical Environment, Equipment and Resource Audit-Guide and Record 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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