1. Learning areas EY Conference – 25 March 2017 Carl Beel
for early learning
Carl Beel
EY Conference – 25 March 2017

2. Overview of the presentation
Introduction
ECE learning
Learning through play
Learning areas
Organising learning areas
Using learning areas

3. ECE learning Observe two short clips of ECE classes in Zambia
Questions:
How does the class setup differ between these classrooms?
Which “activities” are children involved in?
What is the mood of the children in each classroom?
Are the children learning in each classroom?
Activities for children: watching, listening, clapping for pupil who did something on blackboard
Children are looking around, hanging on desk, yawning, clapping half-heartedly, …
Desks are set in rows, traditional old style classroom setup
Children are learning to sit still and try to suppress urge to play.

4. ECE learning
Holistic learning How did each of the 2 class situations contribute to holistic learning?

5. ECE learning Holistic learning Self-regulation Social development
Making choices
Waiting for opportunity
Social development
Interacting with others
Playing with others
Sharing
Emotional Development
Dealing with emotions (happy, disappointed, angry, …)
Resolving conflicts
Autonomy
Doing things independently, self esteem

6. Play is the way young children learn!
ECE learning
Is there a time for play and a time for learning?
Play is the way young children learn!
Pre-requisites for learning:
Well-being
Involvement

7. Learning through play
Young children do not distinguish between play and work
Play is the way young children learn!
Pre-requisites for learning:
Well-being
Involvement
Well realised through play-based learning

8. Learning through play Test developing ideas
Gives practice and repetition
Explore boundaries (risk)
Holistic development
Natural motivation to learn
Develop concepts and skills together
Learn from other children (+ social skills)
Develop autonomy and self-confidence
Develop identity

9. Learning areas Terminology Learning areas Learning areas are
Learning centres
Learning corners
Interest centres
Activity centres
Interest areas
Learning areas are
areas within the classroom where similar materials
are grouped together to encourage specific
activities or experiences for the children. These
areas are well defined, distinct, and easy to see.

10. Learning areas Materials in learning areas
Should be accessible for the children
Should be handled by the children
Should provide many opportunities for play and development
Learning areas are a very good way to provide learning through play.

11. Learning areas Possible learning areas are: Math corner Science corner
Writing corner
Dramatic play corner
Sand and water corner
Art corner
Fine motor skills corner
Music and movement corner …

12. Organising learning areas
Considerations
Space
Available space, also outside
Messy or quiet activities
Storage accessible to children
Learning objectives
Every activity can achieve many objectives at the same time, but focus on objectives that you want to work on during this period
Limit the number of learning objectives per corner, even 1 is enough
Theme
All areas can fit with the main theme being learned about, e.g. derived from social studies or environmental science
Available materials

13. Using learning areas Provide a symbol for each learning area
Let children become familiar with the symbols and learning areas
Use learning areas for a period of time, children can improve and / or progress in the activities
Assign children to corners or let them choose preferred corners
Let children move between learning corners
Change learning areas for a new theme
Do not overwhelm the children with too much material

14. Using learning areas

15. Using learning areas

16. “The quality of an educational system cannot exceed the quality of its teachers”
Barber, M & Mourshed, M. (2007). How the World’s best-performing school systems come out on top. McKinsey & Company,