18/09/2020
Within the Early Years Learning Framework, there are three basic concepts that childrenās lives are characterized by. They are Belonging, Being and Becoming.
This refers to how a child from even before birth is linked to family, community, culture and place. Through these relationships, a childās development and learning take place as they begin to explore, develop interests, create their own identity and make meaning to the world around them. The three concepts, Belonging, Being & Becoming, represent life and living and are constantly referred to throughout the EYLF.
Belonging
"Experiencing belonging - knowing where and with whom you belong is integral to human existence".
To understand that you are part of a group, feeling that you are part of a family. Having a feeling that you are linked with others and experience important relationships. A childās sense of belonging can be referred to their relationships with family members ā recognizing mum, dad, siblings, grandparents etc. Within early childhood, a childās sense of belonging can relate to how comfortable a child is within the setting, having a sense of trust and security with childcare professionals. When a child has a sense of belonging they are more confident, feel more secure, be more creative and more likely to explore the world of learning.
For example: āYou belong in your house with your familyā - D**g
Strategies to include Belonging:
Being respectful and accepting of diversity
Showing mutual respect
Have knowledge of families within the centre
Provide positive and caring relationships
Engage and interact with children
Making families feel welcomed
Appreciating children for their individuality
Create meaningful learning within the environment
Meet each individual childās needs
Provide a sense of security
Being
"Childhood is a time to be, to seek and make meaning of the world"
To experience what is happening now, life in the present. For children, understanding that they are accepted for who they are and knowing that others care about them. Within early childhood, a childās sense of being can relate to how childcare professionals show respect to each individual child, through greetings, conversations and actions. When a child has a sense of being they build and maintain relationships with others, take part in lifeās journey and face challenges in everyday life.
For example: āIf you want to be a mermaid you can imagineā ā Jazmine
Strategies to include Being:
Appreciating skills
Providing opportunities for children to explore and learn
Extending on childrenās interests
Embracing culture
Supporting individual children
Having respectful relationships with children and families
Understanding children uniqueness and individuality
Recognizing each childās values and skills
Allowing children to express themselves
Celebrating childrenās achievements
Becoming
"Becoming emphasises learning to participate fully and actively in society".
To experience change through different events and circumstances in oneās life. A childās sense of becoming refers to the changes they experience as they grow, learn and develop. Within early childhood, a childās sense of being changes over time as they gain knowledge, extend their understandings, create relationships and develop skills. This enables a child to learn to participate actively in todayās society.
For example: āWhen you keep planting plants you become a gardenerā ā Olivia
Strategies to include Becoming:
Implementing school readiness
Encouraging independence
Focusing on the childās positives
Enabling children to be confident
Reflecting on individual growth
Aspiring others
Acknowledging self
Maintaining and developing relationships
Building foundations for learning
Expanding on skills
As children participate in everyday life, they develop interests and construct their own identities and understandings of the world.
References:
Understanding EYLF, Aussie Childcare Network
Educators Guide To The Early Years Learning Framework
Within the Early Years Learning Framework, there are three basic concepts that childrenās lives are characterized by. They are Belonging, Being and Be...