In Australia, the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) serves as a guiding star for early childhood education, articulating a vision for children’s learning from birth to five years and through the transition to school. Far more than a set of academic objectives, the EYLF is built upon three foundational pillars: Belonging, Being and Becoming. For centres like Three Little Bees, embracing this framework isn’t just about compliance; it’s about a deep commitment to nurturing the whole child.
This article explores how Three Little Bees masterfully implements the EYLF curriculum to foster a child’s profound sense of identity, help them feel secure and connected and ultimately support their remarkable development into confident, capable individuals.
Belonging: The Foundation of Security and Connection
For a young child, the feeling of “belonging” is the bedrock of all subsequent learning and development. It’s the secure knowledge that they are accepted, valued and an integral part of their environment. Three Little Bees cultivates this sense of belonging by:
- Creating a Welcoming Environment: Spaces are designed to feel safe, nurturing and inclusive, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of the children.
- Building Strong Relationships: Educators prioritise forming genuine, trusting bonds with each child and their family, ensuring children feel seen, heard and understood.
- Celebrating Individual Identities: Every child’s unique cultural background, family structure and personal interests are acknowledged and woven into the daily life of the centre, fostering a sense of pride and connection to their heritage.
- Community Connection: Active engagement with the local community helps children understand their place within a broader social fabric, further reinforcing their sense of belonging to something larger than themselves.
When children feel they truly belong, they gain the emotional security necessary to explore, take risks and engage fully with their learning journey.
Being: Embracing the Present Moment of Childhood
The EYLF’s concept of “Being” encourages us to appreciate childhood as a significant stage in its own right, not merely a preparation for the future. It’s about valuing the present experiences, joys and challenges that shape a child. At Three Little Bees, “Being” is embraced by:
- Valuing Play: Recognising play as the primary vehicle for learning, children are given ample opportunities for self-directed, open-ended play that allows them to explore, experiment and express themselves authentically.
- Mindful Presence: Educators are present and attentive, observing children’s engagement and responding to their emerging interests and needs. This presence validates the child’s current experience and validates their emotions.
- Child-Led Learning: While purposeful teaching is integrated, the curriculum is flexible enough to follow children’s curiosity, allowing them to lead their own discoveries and build on their intrinsic motivations.
- Focus on Process, Not Just Product: Emphasis is placed on the journey of exploration and discovery, rather than solely on achieving a specific outcome. This encourages persistence and a love for learning itself.
By cherishing the “Being” of childhood, Three Little Bees allows children the space and freedom to truly experience and engage with the world around them, developing a strong sense of self-awareness and presence.
Becoming: Nurturing Growth and Potential
“Becoming” refers to the learning and development that occur as children participate in their daily experiences, acquiring knowledge, skills and dispositions. It speaks to the ongoing process of growth and transformation that shapes their identity and capabilities. Three Little Bees supports this “Becoming” through:
- Fostering Independence: Encouraging children to take age-appropriate risks, make choices and engage in practical life skills builds self-reliance and confidence in their own abilities.
- Developing Essential Skills: Through inquiry-based learning and problem-solving, children develop critical thinking, creativity, communication and social-emotional competencies – skills vital for future academic and life success.
- Positive Self-Concept: By celebrating effort, progress and individual achievements within a supportive environment, children develop a strong, positive self-concept, believing in their capacity to learn and contribute.
- Preparation for Future Transitions: The holistic development fostered through Belonging and Being naturally prepares children for the transition to formal schooling, equipping them with the resilience and adaptability to embrace new challenges confidently.
By seamlessly integrating the principles of Belonging, Being and Becoming, Three Little Bees goes beyond traditional early learning. They are not just preparing children for school; they are laying a profound foundation for a lifelong journey of self-discovery, confident engagement with the world and joyful participation in their own “becoming.”