Active learning is not a new concept in early education. It basically means learning through play or active exploration. Active learning has long been a focus in pre-school and nursery settings, however it is being recognised as an effective learning method further on in schools.
In Scotland a new curriculum has recently been introduced; A Curriculum for Excellence (ACfE). ACfE brings education together under one curriculum for ages 3-18. There are four main capacities in the curriculum to enable children to become; successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors.
Developing Language and Communication Skills
Language and communication can be encouraged through active learning in a number of ways. This method becomes more important when English is not a child’s first language. Some ways of encouraging language development through active learning are as follows:
- Story sacks: This helps to bridge the gap between home and school learning.
- Singing allows children to express themselves. This is extremely important for bi or multilingual children.
- Expressing themselves through movement allows children to express their feelings without using words.
Developing Emotional, Personal and Social Skills
It is important for children to develop Emotional, Personal and Social skills in the early years. This can be encouraged through active learning in a number of ways:
- Encouraging children to work in small groups or partners helps to build up social and communication skills as well as allowing children to build up their co-operation skills.
- Sensory play can encourage children to experience new things and help to build up self confidence.
- Show and tell allows children to talk about something they are passionate about helping to increase their communication and their confidence.
Developing Expressive and Aesthetic Skills
Encouraging children’s creativity in the early years allows children to be more open to new ideas in the future. This can be encouraged through:
- Music and Movement
- Painting and Drawing
- Photography
- Drama
Developing Knowledge and Understanding Skills
It is important for children to learn about the world they live in and how it works. This may be done by:
- Finding out about different cultures and beliefs, different countries and languages
- Finding out about the living world by exploring gardens and parks looking at plants and animals
- Learn about numbers, counting and money and how they are used. This is most commonly done through a shop environment where children can develop numeracy and language skills through role play.
Developing Physical Skills
Physical development can incorporate exercise and healthy eating. It enables children to find out about ways to stay healthy. Children may enjoy:
- Learning about fruit and vegetables and their importance in our diet this can be done through fruit and vegetable tasting activities or through planting and growing some in the garden.
- Physical exercises such as running, dancing, swimming and cycling all promote physical development.
Promoting Active Learning in Schools
It is important for teachers to explore different ways that children can participate in active learning. This can be done through active exploration and investigation. It challenges children’s thinking and allows them to take more responsibility for their own learning.
Source: ltscotland.org.uk
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Sarah Braidwood - Sarah Braidwood is a qualified Early years professional, with experience working with children from 0-12. Mum of one with a keen interest ...
