Characteristics of Effective Learning
Underpinning the whole of our Early Years curriculum is our aim to ensure our children develop into effective lifelong learners. We make it our duty to not soley focus on what our children are learning, but also how they are learning. This ensures that the knowledge and skills our children are learning is deep, meaningful learning that can be built apon over time.
There are 3 main characteristics that drive our teaching and learning:
playing and exploring
active learning
creating and thinking critically
Playing and Exploring
As Holy Cross Early Years children, we play and explore. We…
show curiosity about objects, events and people
use senses to explore the world around us
initiate and engage in open-ended activities
show particular interests
pretend objects are things from our experiences
take on roles and act our experiences in play
are willing to 'have a go'
seek challenge and show a 'can do' attitude
take risks, engage in new experience and learn by trial and error
Active Learning
As Holy Cross Early Years children, we are actively involved in our learning. We…
maintain focus on our activities for a period of time
show high levels of energy and fascination
are not easily distracted
pay attention to detail
persist when challenges occur and bounce back after difficulties
put in effort
try different approaches
show satisfaction in meeting our own goals
are proud in how we have accomplished something
are not only driven by external rewards or praise
Creating and Thinking Critically
As Holy Cross Early Years children, we are creative and critical thinkers. We…
make links and notice patterns in our experience
make predictions and test our ideas
develop ideas of grouping, sequence and cause and effect
plan how to approach a task solve a problem or reach a goal
check how well our activity is going
change strategy as needed
reflect on and review our processes and outcomes