Belonging and Contributing

This frame encompasses children's learning and development with respect to:

their sense of connectedness to others;
their relationships with others, and their contributions as part of a group, a community, and the natural world;
their understanding of relationships and community, and of the ways in which people contribute to the world around them

The learning encompassed in this frame also relates to the child's early development of the attributes and attitudes that inform citizenship, through his or her sense of personal connectedness to various communities.

Dramatic play enables children to explore personal stories and experiences. Educators provide various opportunities and contexts for children to play out their stories.

Carefully planned experiences and materials in the learning environment enable children to explore visual arts, music, drama and dance throughout the day. Educators provide children with opportunities to express themselves through the arts.

As students engage and play with their peers, they learn about the nature of relationships and their connections with one another and begin to understand the contributions they can make to their group, community and the natural world.

Educators nurture children's emotional development – their development of a sense of identity, positive self-concept, self-reliance and ability to self-regulate – by creating a warm and responsive environment that contributes to children's ability to experience success.