About the Curriculum
An Educational Approach that Includes School Readiness and the EYLF
A well-rounded educational approach to a child’s education encompasses a range of methods to implement within an early learning environment for young children. These methods can include both theoretical and practical learnings, such as intellectual learning as well as an integrated play-based learning approach with sensory play, imaginative learning, creative problem solving, and physical exercise (in forms such as soccer and Yoga).
These different methods cater to various learning styles of the mix of children in the classroom curriculum plan with foundations for our early childhood curriculum based on the Early Years Learning Framework. The curriculum plan achieves the EYLF five learning outcomes so that children both learn at their own pace while progressing necessarily.
School Readiness
The school readiness curriculum program aims for children to have a smooth transition into kindergarten. School readiness is not only about their early literacy and numeracy skills, but also their interpersonal skills, emotional development, physical coordination, and developing their personality so they shine.
The skills they learn and develop in their early childhood years are crucial for their ongoing development, especially for the life they will eventually lead beyond the classroom. Early education is of utmost importance for children to have a life long love for their ongoing development.
Our school readiness program considers all of the people important in children’s learning journey, from caregivers, early childhood teachers, parents, role models, and other family members.
An effective approach to school readiness should consider everyone involved within the early education system – from caregivers, teachers and early learning centre managers, to parents, role models, and other family members at home.
Early Childhood Teaching Strategies
Our Early Childhood Teaching Strategies include the following:
Play-Based Learning
Inquiry-Based Learning
Intentional teaching
Explicit and Direct Instruction
Event-Based Approach
Project-Based Learning
Blended Learning
Through the implementation of these strategies, a child’s learning can be developed with real-world experiences, with further support from families at home.
Play-Based Learning
Play-Based learning is crucial for children to use their imaginative skills, and have social development to interact positively with other children. This teaching strategy is best for the age groups in an early childhood setting because these children are already experiencing play – therefore incorporating learning through play assists them in understanding concepts more effectively.
Inquiry-Based Learning
Inquiry-Based learning assists with brain development and problem-solving in a more logical way, compared to play-based learning.
Intentional Teaching
Intentional teaching can focus on the different elements of the EYLF framework:
Themes
Principles
Learning outcomes
Practices
All learning and development are structured with the intention of fulfilling these requirements.
Explicit and Direct Instruction
Explicit and direct instruction refers to educators using clear communication to children, to assist them in achieving learning outcomes.
When educators use scaffolds, learning diagrams and charts, clearly explain and demonstrate concepts and expectations, then the child is well equipped with the instructions to master their task. If a child is struggling, educators may trial different instructions.
Event-Based Approach
An event-based approach to learning includes investigation, problem-solving and play. This learning helps children connect their knowledge with practice, equipping them for day-to-day real life in the big world.
Children are encouraged to play, plan, and enact events in real-life situations, drawing on their own knowledge and experiences. Educators can assist by initiating play based on a child’s interests, guide planning and rehearsal, promote the agency for a child to make their own decisions, and teach positive collaboration skills.
Project-Based Learning
Project-based learning is where children learn through engaging in real-world projects that have meaning and purpose. The aim is to promote a deeper learning experience, higher engagement with others and developing critical thinking skills.
When children are focused on completing a question or project for an extended period of time, this teaches them skills they will need as a part of school readiness.
Blended Learning
Blended learning incorporates a mixture of all approaches to learning. Depending on different factors like age, capabilities, interests, different children will learn in a way unique to them. Educators can determine the appropriateness of the various learning techniques and implement those effective for the children to suit their individual needs.
Learning and Child Development Theory
In conjunction with the Early Years Learning Framework provided by the Australian Government, our curriculum considers various learning and child development theories.
The following approaches and theories for learning and development have been drawn upon:
The Reggio Emilia Approach
Jerome Bruner’s Learning Theory
Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory of Cognitive Development
The Montessori Theory
Piaget Theory
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