The Early Years Learning Framework Belonging, Being and Becoming
Australia’s first National “Early Years Learning Framework” (EYLF) for early childhood education was introduced in 2009. Fundamental to the framework is a view that children learn from 0-5 years and childhood is fundamentally characterised by belonging, being and becoming.
Belonging– From birth children are connected to family, community, culture and place. A sense of belonging is vital to all human existence. When children experience a sense of belonging it shapes who children are and who they become.
Being– Is the here and now. Children need time to just “be”, so they can make meaning of their world.
Becoming– As children participate in everyday life, they develop interest and construct their own identity and understanding of the world. Becoming is about the learning and development that occurs in early childhood. Children’s sense of identity emerges and they begin to be active participants in society.
The EYLF puts children’s leaning at the core and combines three inter-related elements: Principle, Practice and Learning Outcome. All three elements are fundamental to early childhood pedagogy and curriculum decision making.
Principles, Practices and Learning Outcomes- The Early Years Learning Framework has a structure provided by three key elements – Principles, Practices and Learning Outcomes. These help us to reflect about our work, to appropriately plan our programs for children and guide us on how we work with children, their families and our community.
Principles- relates to our beliefs and values. The Early Years Learning Framework provides us with Principles to guide us in our work with children and focuses on assisting each individual child to make progress towards the Learning Outcomes. The five principles are the following –
- Secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships
- Partnerships
- High Expectations and equity
- Respect for diversity
- Ongoing learning and reflective practices
Practices- relates to how we put our Principles into action by working together with children, their families and within our community. The Early Years Learning Framework promotes children’s learning by drawing upon a repertoire of pedagogical practices (using our skills and knowledge that enable us to help children to learn) by
- Holistic approaches
- Responsiveness to children
- Learning through play
- Intentional teaching
- Learning environments
- Cultural competence
- Continuity of learning and transitions
- Assessment for learning
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