Play Based Learning
The educators at Kensington Castle provide a high quality program guided by the national early childcare curriculum, the “Early years learning framework” (EYLF). Three key elements form the foundations of the curriculum and have been developed based on research and knowledge of the development of children in the early years:
- Belonging. Children feel they belong because of the relationships they have with their family, community, culture and place. In early childhood we assist to develop strong relationships by incorporating a child’s culture, their family and the local community in our program.
- 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. We aim to provide a stimulating program that a child happily engages in.
- Becoming is about the learning and development that young children experience. Children start to form their sense of identity from an early age, which shapes the type of adult they will become. Children begin to understand who they are and begin to acknowledge their achievements.
Play is learning
Play is very important for children. Through play, babies and young children explore and learn to understand the world around them as they come to communicate, discover, imagine and create. When children play, they are showing what they have learned and what they are trying to understand. The EYLF therefore has a strong emphasis on play based learning.
Kensington Castle educators guide your child’s play by carefully designing learning activities and stimulating indoor and outdoor learning environments to promote social and emotional development, language and communication. As your child progresses towards school, this program has increasing focus on literacy and numeracy and the importance of a successful transition to formal schooling.
The educators’ role
The educators at Kensington Castle are highly qualified and strive to provide the latest strategies and teaching techniques to support and enhance your child’s learning in a warm, happy, homelike environment. The educators acknowledge the importance of the early years as one of the most important times of shaping a child’s brain development and learning patterns. By providing a rich learning environment, designed in partnership with your child’s interests, family input and educators’ knowledge, they are able to provide a fulfilling, happy, stimulating program that assists your child to reach their potential and prepare them for the next stage in their life.
Family’s role
Families are the primary influence on children’s learning and development. Families are therefore encouraged to share their experiences in the centre and work in partnership with educators. Program feedback is provided to families through daily photo diaries, documented daily learning experiences and informal and formal discussions.
