Children see family members going to work, early childhood educators working, and people in the community doing interesting things (e.g. digging up the road or cleaning public toilets).
Work and careers can be an interesting topic for young children. However, early childhood educators should focus on the here and now in children’s lives. Children shouldn't be expected to know what they will "be" when they grow up.
The interest topic of employment relates to studying and money. It also links to gender as educators can empower children to consider non-traditional career paths.
EYLF learning outcomes
By teaching this topic through the Early Years Learning Framework, children can learn about people and places (4.4), cooperation (4.1) and interdependence (1.2).
They can gain a sense of belonging to groups and communities, and an understanding of the reciprocal rights and responsibilities necessary for active community participation (2.1).
Children can develop their self identities (1.3) by learning about the jobs of people in their families.
Learning environments
Reflect on diversity
Review your books, puzzles, posters and signs, toys and costumes. Do these reflect a wide range of occupations? Do they challenge or reinforce stereotypes?
Add uniforms to your home corner
Children can learn about careers by dressing up. Collect as many uniforms as possible, whether they are adult-sized or child-sized costumes. Ask families to donate any unwanted items they may have at home. You can also ask local organisations (like the police and fire brigade) if they have spare work uniforms.
Set up a pretend employment agency
Children who are strongly interested in careers can pretend to look for a job. Set up a corner of your classroom as a pretend employment agency, with a desk and general office equipment. Keep the play child-led, humorous and fun.
Children can:
- take turns interviewing each other
- talk about the things they are good at
- talk about the jobs they like and dislike
- fill out pretend job application forms.
Family and community connections
Invite family and community members to talk about their careers, especially if they have a career that is unusual or breaks gender stereotypes. Ask them to bring in equipment or clothing that is used in their work. Encourage them to teach the children an age-appropriate skill.
Discussions
Identify strengths
Ask children what they think a person would need to be good at to do a particular job (e.g. a hairdresser needs to be good at brushing hair and talking to people). Encourage thoughtful, creative suggestions.
Say what you enjoy
Explain that people prefer to do work they enjoy (e.g. a dog walker would need to love dogs). Now, ask the children what they enjoy doing. Is this something people can do as a job?
Educator reflections
- Do you interact differently with girls and boys when you talk to them about work and career choices?
- Have you introduced the children to a wide range of common and uncommon careers?
Resources
Websites and publications
- Your Career: List of careers in Australia
- OECD: The Future at Five: Gendered Aspirations of Five-Year-Olds