Through doing this and practising the skills that they have learned the children will be able to take ownership of their learning and be able to apply it in different situations. To provide high-quality experiences for young children we should aim for a balance of one-third adult-directed activities and one-third child-initiated activities. The other third of the time should ideally be taken up by child-initiated activities that are then picked up on and supported by an adult – these are opportunities for ‘sustained shared thinking’ to take place. Children learn through first-hand experiances and activities with the serious business of ‘play’ providing the vehicle. Through their play children practise and consolidate their learning, play with ideas, experiment, take risks, solve problems, and make decisions… First-hand experiences allow children to develop an understanding of themselves and the world in which they live.
Within pracitce Effective practitioners have a duty to value each child's indivudial needs and likes.children have to experience something before they get a true understanding of what it is like. Example. For the setting to be effective, practitioners must challenge and support children's philosophies of their doings, practitioners muct get involved in the childs thinking process. The practitioner can then be attentive of what the child shows an interest in andhave knowledge of whast the child understands. This can support the children's thinking and extend their learning.
Considering the work of key pioneers and current experts with links to child development theory. There are many theories about how children learn and develop. This area of study is called developmental psychology which covers subjects such as cognitive, language and emotional development. The research methods are based heavily on the on going assessments carried out by observing children over a period of time. Assessment is part of the process of understanding what children know, understand and can do so that future teaching steps can be appropriately planned.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), (2012) states that the role of the practitioner is crucial in observing and reflecting on children’s spontaneous play, building on this by planning and providing a challenging environment which supports specific areas of children’s learning and extends and develops children’s language and communication in their play. (See appendix 1 note 2) Another role of the practitioner is to work professionally and responsibly such as to ‘work as part of the team, work with parents and partners, participate in providing an environment that is welcoming and stimulating’ (Tassoni P, et.al, 2007 page 137) and to meet the learning needs of each individual child by providing a range of activities and experiences. A1 While attending placements I have worked to support the learning needs of children in this particular role by working with my supervisor, other staff members and parents or carers. When doing this, practitioners should always be professional, for example using a polite tone of
Playing and learning in children’s education E1/A In (appendices 1), the Nursery World article written by Fisher. J (2012) talks about how the role of the practitioner should plan for a balance between adult –led learning and child –led learning. This means that the adult needs to observe children closely to see how they are developing. When the practitioner stands back during child-led play, they can gain lots of information about a child, how they use their environments and resources. This helps to meet their learning needs if the practitioner then uses this information to plan the next steps.
Involving young people in planning and reflecting on their own learning through assessment, evaluation and personal learning planning is essential and this is the responsibility of all practitioners regardless of the learning setting. Universal support will help young people to identify and plan opportunities for achievement through activities covering a full range of contexts and settings, whilst meeting individual needs and providing effective learning activities that address barriers across the curriculum in every context and setting. Additional Support Some young people will benefit from additional or targeted support, tailored to their individual circumstances. This could be at any point of their learning journey or, for some, throughout the journey. 1.2 explain the role of practitioners in providing impartial information and advice to children and young people 1 Young people are informed about how information, advice and guidance services can help them and how to access the services they need.
It is generally recognised as being an essential part in children’s growth and development. This understanding of play is the reason why play environments and activities are provided in the early years curricula and foundation stage. By providing this environment it encourages children to learn through play. Physical, cognitive, language, social and emotional development are all affected by play, which is why it is so important. We need to make sure that a range of play opportunities are provided to encourage this, and ensure that we provide materials that are stimulating and attractive, whilst encouraging children to make choices and to take responsibility for their play.
However, we can aim to offer each unique child equality of opportunity suited to their individual needs and requirements. We as staff need to understand the needs and requirements of each individual child. For each child to have equal opportunities, settings they learn and play in must ensure that they and their families are fully included in the setting, taking into account the diversity of the children and families who come to the setting. Inclusion is the process of making this happens. Working towards inclusion involves striving to remove barriers to children and their families.
To find that when you involve the people who are learning in their own learning, they feel empowered and will want to undertake the learning processes more and more. It also encourages all to get everything they can out of their learning. Learning occurs most effectively when individuals know that they have something to learn and want to learn it. 12. Those involved in learning need to feel involved in the process.
Theorists Robert Sternberg and Howard Gardner argue that children who can make new connections and draw something new from them is a type of intelligence. It is important to offer children lots of first-hand experiences so that they can develop knowledge and draw from their own experiences. Social Models – These theories look at the environment in which the children are learning and the adults they are supported by. Social models link to cultural approaches and role modelling. Children learn by observing and imitating and so watching and being supported by adults who encourage and work creatively by being flexible in approach, solving problems and painting and drawing with them can help develop their creativity.