Week Four: Early Years Curriculum

Reflection

Curriculum documents at this point of my degree (second year) are somewhat overwhelming, particularly with there being more than one to decipher (we looked at four separate documents related to the early years curriculum alone in the lecture)with different guidelines, structure, assessable elements, and the list continues - I still feel I have much to learn. 

EYLF and ACARA each reflect a different focus on learning.The EYLF reflects a holistic approach to learning and development, set within play-based environments with broad learning outcomes2,4. The ACARA is more content driven with focus on content and proficiency strands, with content descriptions and elaborations2,4.

I found a useful website below designed for those with limited knowledge of the EYLF document. It provides a step-by-step guide of how to use the EYLF document in planning and teaching. If you click on the picture below it will expand. While there were other useful examples on this website, I felt planning is most relevant to me at this stage of degree1. 

(Aussie Childcare Network, 2009)

The emphasis this week was recognising that there are differences in curriculum documents and as Louise mentioned in the lecture, they are to be used as a guide, not an instructional manual5. This makes the content covered in the previous two weeks of pedagogy and the teaching body of particular importance when planning content and teaching for engagement while adhering to curriculum in a more practical way.  

  

Bibliography:

1. Aussie Childcare Network. (2009). EYLF Curriculum planning and documentation. Retrieved from http://www.aussiechildcarenetwork.com/early_years_curriculum_planning.php 

2. Braise, M. & Nuttall, J. (2011). Chapter 4: The early years curriculum (pp. 78-109). Learning to teach in the early years classroom. South Melbourne: Oxford University Press.

3. Commonwealth of Australia. (2009). Belonging, being and becoming: The early years learning framework for Australia. Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations  for the Council of Australian Governments.

4. Perry, B., Dockett, S., Harley, E. (2008). The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia and the Australian Curriculum: Mathematics – Linking Educators’Practice through Pedagogical Inquiry Questions. Retrieved from
http://www.merga.net.au/sites/default/files/editor/books/1/Chapter%208%20

5. Phillips, L. (2013). Week Four: Early Years Curriculum [Powerpoint Slides]. Unpublished manuscript, EDUC2704, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia.  

6. The State of Queensland (Queensland Studies Authority)(2010) Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline. Brisbane: QSA

7. The State of Queensland (Queensland Studies Authority) (2006). Early years curriculum guidelines. Brisbane: QSA