"children re-invent your world for you"
susan sarandon
Belonging, Being and Becoming
The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (2009)
This is a new national early learning framework for children from birth to five years.
The Federal Government has developed the Early Years Learning Framework to ensure your child receives quality education programs in early childhood settings. This is a vital time for them to learn and develop.
The framework’s vision is for all children to experience play-based learning that is engaged and builds success for life.
It is a guide for early childhood educators who work with children from birth to five years. They will use the framework in partnership with families, children’s first and most influential educators, to develop learning programs responsive to children’s ideas, interests, strengths and abilities and recognize that children learn through their play.
The Early Years Learning Framework describes childhood as a time of belonging, being and becoming.
Belonging
The basis for living a fulfilling life. Children feel they belong because of the relationships they have with their family, community, culture and place.
At Inner West Kids Marrickville we see belonging:
As an INDIVIDUAL
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Knowing where and with whom we belong.
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To feel a part of the community I’m in whether it be at home, centre or neighbourhood. Feel comfortable and at ease.
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Knowing who you are as a person. What groups you belong to and your place in society.
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Being made welcome in a group.
As an EDUCATOR
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Being part of the childcare service and being a support system to families.
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To feel part of my workplace, centre, room. Feel comfortable to be myself and to feel valued a part of a small community.
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Feeling like we belong to a room or group of children and sharing a special bond with our children – watching them grow.
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Feeling part of a professional group of like minded people.
Through the eye of an INFANT (0-2 years)
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Feeling loved and supported.
To feel secure, comfortable, looked after. To have a strong sense of wellbeing. -
Feeling close/connected to their carers and safe in their care.
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Feeling safe and secure with those people who look after them.
Through the eyes of a TODDLER (2-3 years)
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Feeling like a part of something and having it shown e.g. artwork displayed.
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To feel supported emotionally, welcomed by educators, to feel a part of their environment.
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Developing friendships with other toddlers – participating in room activities and learning together.
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Being made to feel part of a group and safe with their educators.
Through the eyes of a PRESCHOOLER (3-5 years)
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Discovering friendships.
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To feel welcomed, wanted, a valued part of the preschool room. To feel supported emotionally.
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Feeling part of their group – sharing stories during show and tell, having art on the walls and feeling like they are involved.
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Having close friends that they feel connected to.
BEING
Is about living here and now. Childhood is a special time in life and children need time to just “be” – time to play, try new things and have fun.
At Inner West Kids Marrickville we see being:
As an INDIVIDUAL
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Doing as I want.
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Knowing who I am.
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Being part of your surroundings and environment.
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Feeling happy with where I am as an individual with my life.
As an EDUCATOR
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Teaching and caring for our babies.
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Enjoying being in the moment, being part of a child care setting.
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Confidence in knowing I do my job to the best of my ability.
Through the eye of an INFANT (0-2 years)
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Discovering the world and exploring the environment.
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Enjoying spending time with peers and educators, being in the moment.
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Feeling safe in their environment to conquer milestones.
Through the eyes of a TODDLER (2-3 years)
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Trying new things out, understanding and experimenting with cause and effect.
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Being able to grow into their own individual person.
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Having a safe and secure environment to grow and learn.
Through the eyes of a PRESCHOOLER (3-5 years)
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Using your imagination to seek and make meaning of the world.
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Forming friendships with peers enjoying their play.
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Feeling confident and nurtured to learn in their environment.
BECOMING
The basis for living a fulfilling life. Children feel they belong because of the relationships they have with their family, community, culture and place.
At Inner West Kids Marrickville we see belonging:
As an INDIVIDUAL
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Aspiring to be something and working towards it.
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Adapting to changes and experiences. Learning who they are through different learning experiences.
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How I can become a better person.
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Where you see yourself in years to come and what you will do to get there.
As an EDUCATOR
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Being in tune with what our babies want to do and facilitating it.
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Becoming the best I can professionally be as an educator.
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Constantly using reflective practice.
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How can I better my skills and pass on my knowledge to the children.
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How you grow into bettering yourself as an educator.
Through the eye of an INFANT (0-2 years)
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Feeling secure and loved and being able to play and develop under the guidance of caregivers.
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Learning the foundations of life through educational milestones, “discovery”.
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Going through the milestones of growth.
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Learning new skills – crawling, standing, walking, talking.
Through the eyes of a PRESCHOOLER (3-5 years)
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Becoming responsible, developing meaningful friendships, feeling valued by peers and having a voice.
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New and exciting activities that stimulate the body mind appropriate to their age.
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Figuring out who they are.
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Becoming an individual whilst trying to remain part of a group.
Through the eyes of a TODDLER (2-3 years)
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Feeling confident with developing autonomy and being able to take risks in exploration and play.
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Exploring new experiences in their new capability spectrum e.g. walking, what they can reach.
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Getting confidence to try new things for self.
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Discovering boundaries, talking more, communicating wants and dislikes.