Characteristics of Learning

We know that from our own experiences, observing family and friends that children and indeed adults learn in different ways. When planning and supporting children we think it is important to considr the different ways children learn and reflect this in how we teach, organise our learning environment and support individual children and groups of children. Within the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage they identify three "Characteristics of Effective Teaching and Learning"; these characteristics encompass children from birth to the end of reception year and children will demonstrate them in different ways dependeing on the developmental level of the child.

The three characteristics are;

Playing and exploring

Finding out and exploring                                                   
Playing with what they know 
Being willing to ‘have a go.’

Active learning

Being involved and concentrating                                           
Keeping trying                                                     
Enjoying achieving what they set out to do

Creating and thinking critically

Having their own ideas 
Making links
Choosing ways to do things