Day 10: Theoretical Perspectives and Pedagogy

Date: 17 June 2025
Activity Description:
Group Storytime – Reading “Where’s Spot?” with Children Under 2 Years

In my 10^th day of the placement, I set with small group of children and had group time. During a group time with toddlers under two years old, I introduced Eric Hill’s interactive lift-the-flap book “Where’s Spot?” to them which helps children to support early language development, listening skills, and shared attention. The simple narrative, repetitive vocabulary in the book, and interactive flaps helps children to engage in the activity as they were eagerly pointing in the picture, imitated phrases, and responded with sounds and gestures, which demonstrates their growing familiarity with story structures and turn-taking. This experience reflects Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, which emphasizes learning through social interaction and shared language experiences (Vygotsky, 1978), and the Bruner’s concept of joint attention, highlighting how shared activities like book reading foster communication and understanding in the children (Bruner, 1983). The use of expressive tone while reading book, sitting at the children’s level, and pausing for responses helps to enhance the engagement and participation of children in the activity, which aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework’s focus on language-rich environments and meaningful educator-child interactions (Department of Education, 2022). This activity supported the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers, particularly Standard 1.2 (knowing how children learn) and Standard 3.5 (using effective communication strategies) (AITSL, 2011). Moving forward, I aim to incorporate with more tactile books and storytelling props like puppets to so that I can deepen literacy and social connection for the children.

References
Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership. (2011). Australian professional standards for teachers.

 https://www.aitsl.edu.au/teach/standards
Bruner, J. S. (1983). Child’s talk: Learning to use language. Oxford University Press.
Department of Education. (2022). Belonging, being & becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (Version 2.0). Australian Government.

A09-057 EYLF Framework Report WEB.indd
Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press.

Day 11: Exploring Sustainability Across the Service

Date: 18 June 2025
Activity Description:
Sensory Tray Exploration – Kangaroo Toy, Sand, Wooden Sticks, Blocks, and Leaves (Children Under 2 Years)

In my 11^th day in the rise and shine, I set up a sensory tray with an Australian bush theme. I use different natural materials like sand, leaves, wooden sticks, blocks, and a kangaroo toy to foster early sensory exploration, fine motor development, and symbolic play for toddlers under two. I positioned the tray at floor level for safety of the children and independent access for the children. The tray helps to encourage children to explore different textures, cause and effect, and early pretend play, as one child carefully moved the kangaroo toy saying, “Hop Hop,” while others drew lines in the sand or built block houses on the try, which show engagement and focus attention of children in the activity. This experience basically aligns with Piaget’s sensorimotor stage, which highlights learning through sensory and motor interaction (Piaget, 1952), and the Reggio Emilia approach that values natural materials and child-led inquiry to support creativity and holistic growth in the children (Malaguzzi, 1998). The Early Years Learning Framework also supports such sensory-rich, meaningful interactions with the environment (Department of Education, 2022). When we allow children to lead their exploration while providing gentle verbal encouragement can foster curiosity and self-confidence within the children. In the future, I goal is to add more Australian animal figurines and extend the experience with related stories like Possum Magic. This session reflects Professional Standards 1.2 (understanding how children learn) and 3.4 (selecting and using materials effectively and safely) (AITSL, 2011) and reaffirmed how thoughtfully curated resources can nurture children’s innate curiosity and learning.

References
Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership. (2011). Australian professional standards for teachers.

https://www.aitsl.edu.au/teach/standards
Department of Education. (2022). Belonging, being & becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (Version 2.0). Australian Government.

A09-057 EYLF Framework Report WEB.indd
Malaguzzi, L. (1998). No way. The hundred is there. In C. Edwards, L. Gandini, & G. Forman (Eds.), The hundred languages of children: The Reggio Emilia approach—Advanced reflections (2nd ed., pp. 3–10). Ablex Publishing.
Piaget, J. (1952). The origins of intelligence in children (M. Cook, Trans.). International Universities Press.

Day 12: Educational Program and Practice, Learning Environment Provision

Date: 19 June 2025
Activity Description:
One-on-One Mirror Painting with Child C (Under 2 Years) Using Different Colors