Early Years Learning Framework: A Critical Analysis

Play is important for children as it allows them to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity and physical, cognitive and emotional strength. Children can, at a very early age, through play, engage and interact with the world around them and it allows for them to create and explore a world they can conquer. (Ginsburg, 2007) This critical analysis will discuss a ball drop and throw play-based resource that encourages and supports growth and development in children with connections to the Early Years Learning Framework.

The resource is suitable for many different age groups but is particularly useful for 6-month-olds to 2-year-olds. To differentiate for each age group, an educator must consider the capability of each

Young children play in many ways including explorative, sensory, physical, creative, symbolic, projective, dramatic play and games with rules and these are all important aspects of children’s learning and development. (Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relationships, 2009) There are five learning outcomes in the framework, and this resource mentioned assists in achieving three of them including outcome 1 which provides that ‘children have a strong sense of identity’ (DEEWR, 2009). Within outcome 1, it states that ‘children develop their emerging autonomy, inter-dependence, resilience and a sense of agency’ and this is seen through being open to new challenges, discoveries, and persisting when faced with challenges, and when first attempts are not successful (DEEWR, 2009). This resource provides opportunities for children to build resilience as they may not get it through the hole the first time but must persist as they will eventually achieve the goal. Outcome 3 states that ‘children have a strong sense of wellbeing’ which provides that children become strong in their social and emotional wellbeing as they seek out and accept new challenges, and celebrate their own efforts and achievements which is seen through manipulating equipment and managing tools with increasing competence and skill as well as combining

The provision of safe environments for children is essential to prevent injury and enable them to grow and develop.” As it’s important to provide a safe environment, it must be ensured that resources are appropriate for children to be using. This resource is mostly safe, but there are some things to consider such as the balls being big enough to that the babies are not at risk of choking, and it is the role of the educator to ensure that there no sharp edges on the holes of the box. It’s important to consider and recognise the risks before allowing the children to play with the