Room project: The Joeys are interested in learning about numbers (1 to 10), counting and colours. So educators in the Joey's room planned and set it as this month's room project. At today's group time, I read a book to the children, and the name of the book was "Counting Aussie Animals in My Backyard". I turned the first page and showed it to the children. I asked the children, "what number is this?". Hunter responded, "one". I asked, "what animal is this?" and Pilar replied, "snake". I said, "yes, Pilar, it is a snake". I asked the children whether the snake was big or small. Lucas said, "big". Then I asked the children about the snake's colour, and Jack said, "brown". I appreciated the children's responses. I turned to the next page and asked, "what comes after one?". Marlee replied immediately, "two". The children then counted the two kookaburras. Sean, Aladeng, Kavith, Elya, Tilly, Samara and Nathan counted along with me. We counted three lizards, four frogs, five cockatoos, six beetles, seven dragonflies, eight eagles, nine bull ants and ten mosquitoes. The children also learned about animals and their colours. Autumn watched the group time with interest. After group time, the children washed their hands and had lunch.
Link to Pedagogical Documentation
EYLF Outcomes
Outcomes: 4: Children are confident and involved learners Elements: 4.1 Children develop dispositions for learning such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflexivity. The children were able to count the animals and were able to name the colour of the animals. The children were confident and curious in their learning.
Theorists
This learning experience can be linked to Piaget's theories. He believed that children are active learners and must be given opportunities to explore, discover and experiment. These principles underpin all cognitive development.
Interpretation
Critical Reflection: As an educator, I recognised and valued the children's involvement in their learning. Throughout group time, I responded to the children's displays of learning dispositions by commenting on them and providing encouragement and additional ideas. Follow Up: Continue with the room project.
