Children develop a growth mindset and learning dispositions such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflexivity
Early childhood educators can provide children with flexible and open-ended opportunities for play. All day, every day!
The Early Years Learning Framework asks children to “use play to investigate, experiment, test hypotheses, imagine and explore ideas”, and educators to “provide feedback to children focused on effort and process over outcome or product”.
Learning experiences
- Set up your learning environment with natural materials, processed materials and loose parts, for children to explore and experiment with.
- Set up sensory learning spaces for children of all ages, including preschoolers. Stimulate the five senses and multiple senses at once.
- Make experimental art. Don't worry about the end product. Take photos of the process. Children don't need “something” to take home.
- Encourage children to observe their world and ask questions. Teach them how to find answers by conducting simple experiments. This is science! Explore and integrate all areas of STEM and STEAM.
- Teach inquiry by starting a project on a unique topic. What are your children interested in? Provide access to research tools, like books, technology and experts within the local community.
- Acknowledge children's achievements with celebrations.
- Promote positive self-esteem practices when children tackle difficult challenges.
Explore the EYLF
Explore other areas of Learning Outcome 4, Children are confident and involved learners.
Explore all the EYLF Learning Outcomes, with links to children's interest topics, on The Interest Forest.