Encouraging Curiosity and Active Engagement

In both Alberta's Early Learning Flight Framework and Australia's Early Years Learning Framework, there is a big focus on fostering children's curiosity and giving them chances to explore the world around them. They believe that when children are curious and actively engaged, they become more excited about learning.

These frameworks understand that children learn best when they are involved in their own learning process. They encourage activities like nature walks, exploring the world outside the fence line, and interactive play-based activities. By doing these things, they create an environment where children can discover and understand the world around them.

Real-Life Experiences and Learning Beyond the Classroom

Both frameworks also think it's important to include real-life experiences in early childhood education. They believe that going beyond the traditional classroom and exploring the community is beneficial for children. When educators find meaningful and authenic ways to provide opportunities for children to venture out into the community, children get to see different cultures, environments, and perspectives. This exposure helps them understand and appreciate others better.

Benefits of Encouraging Curiosity and Real-Life Experiences

Encouraging curiosity and providing hands-on learning experiences have many benefits for children.

-Curiosity developes a sense of wonder.

-High engagement builds an eagerness to learn and helps children to become better learners overall.

-Incorporating real-life experiences and allows children the right to gain a broader understanding of the world.

-Learning about native plants and animals that are in their geographical area.

-Investigate and learning from the traditional owners of the land and other cultures that are resprented within the local community.

-Exposes children to learning about different perspectives, which helps them become more empathetic and respectful towards others.

When we take a closer look at the similarities within both the Alberta's Early Learning Flight Framework and Australia's Early Years Learning Framework, we recognise the importance of curiosity and hands-on learning and how it is directly linked to a child's development. By advocating for this pedegocial teaching approach, these frameworks are eucators to find purposeful way to encourage curiosity and provide ongoing opportunities for exploration.

As professional educators, we all advocate for a common goal. For children to have the right to higher learning and developmental outcomes and this one very effective and authenic way to achieve that.

Janine Kelly

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