Behaviour

This age group need their day to be more structured, with established patterns and routines. There should also be blocks of time available for exploring and experimenting with new activities and equipment. Children should have sufficient time to develop their own ideas and practice new skills and concepts through play.

Caregivers need to regularly provide new resources to keep children challenged and to extend their play. One way this can be done is by keeping some equipment aside in a cupboard or store room and regularly rotating the selection of toys available in the room.

Throughout the day, transitions from one activity to another should be carefully planned so that they are smooth and flowing. Caregivers should at all times model acceptable play and appropriate use of equipment. They need to ensure that they always interact with the children in a positive and enthusiastic manner and give positive reinforcement to the child for their play and learning. Children’s feelings must be acknowledged and their choices respected, including if they decide not to participate in an activity.

Experiences for this age group can include things like cooking, sewing, carpentry and washing. They can be more varied and complicated, reflecting the children’s developing cognitive and physical abilities.