TCHR5001 Assessment Brief 2 Design Task

TCHR5001 – Assessment 2: Design Task

Title: Designing Inclusive, Play-Based Learning Environments for Early Childhood (0–5 years)

Assessment Details

• Type: Design Task

• Due Date: Friday, Week 6, 2025, 11:59 pm AEST (or local campus time)

• Mode: Individual (or small groups, as specified in your class)

• Length: 1,500 words total (approx. 500 words per “written statement” component + up to 500 words for design justification / captions)

• Weighting: 50% of unit grade

• Generative AI Use: Permitted under constraints (see below)

• Aligned Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs): ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4

Rationale / Purpose

As early childhood educators, one of your ongoing challenges is to design spaces, experiences, and resources that are inclusive, responsive to children’s interests, and supportive of holistic development and wellbeing. This design task invites you to synthesise theory, professional policy, and your personal philosophy, and to apply them in a concrete design artefact. In doing so, you strengthen your ability to make evidence-based pedagogical decisions.

Task Overview

You will create three (3) interlinked design components for a chosen age group (0–5 years). Each component must be supported by a short written justification (a “written statement”). You will submit a single file (Word or PDF) with all parts embedded or appended, using the provided Assessment 2 Template.

• Part A: Play Space Design

• Part B: Learning Experience Plan

• Part C: Play-Based Resource Design

You should design all three parts for the same age group (you choose from: 0–6 months, 6–12 months, 1–2 years, 2–3 years, 3–4 years, or 4–5 years).

Part A: Play Space Design

What to do:
Design a play space (indoor, outdoor, or a specific corner / zone) tailored to your chosen age group. Your design may be digital (using software such as SketchUp, PowerPoint, Canva, Visio, etc.), or a hand-drawn image scanned or photographed. You should clearly label zones, resources, pathways, and features.

Written Statement (ca. 500 words):
Explain how your personal philosophy of play-based pedagogy has guided your design decisions. Discuss how your design addresses:

• inclusivity (access, diversity, differentiation)

• safety and risk-taking balance

• spatial flow, transitions, and zones of engagement

• alignment with developmental needs of your chosen age group

Part B: Learning Experience Plan

What to do:
Using a planning template, design a small-group, play-based learning experience that occurs within the play space you designed (Part A). The plan should include:

• Learning objectives (linked to Early Years Learning Framework or equivalent outcomes)

• Materials, setup, scaffolding, educator prompts

• Sequence of the experience (introduction, engagement, extension, reflection)

• Adaptations / differentiation for children with diverse needs

Written Statement (ca. 500 words):
Explain the theoretical perspectives (e.g. socio-cultural, constructivist, Reggio, feminist, critical, emergent curriculum) that inform your design of this experience. Justify your pedagogical choices (e.g. open-ended questions, scaffolding, sustained shared thinking, provocations).

Part C: Play-Based Resource Design

What to do:
Design a resource (toy, activity kit, manipulative, digital app, loose parts collection, etc.) suited to your chosen age group and which complements the learning experience (Part B). The resource may be original or adapted from an existing idea (if adapted, acknowledge the source). Provide illustrations, diagrams, or prototypes as needed.

Written Statement (ca. 500 words):
Discuss the intended use of the resource, how it supports learning, development, and wellbeing (across domains: cognitive, physical, social-emotional, language, creative). Connect your design to relevant theory and policy (e.g. NQS, Early Years Framework, rights-based perspectives). Explain how the resource fosters inclusion, agency, and differentiation.

Sources & Evidence

Your designs and statements must be grounded in:

• A range of theoretical perspectives from your modules

• Scholarly sources (journal articles, book chapters)

• Professional / policy documents (e.g. Early Years Learning Framework, National Quality Standard, United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, diversity/inclusion statements, code of ethics)

• Developmental research or frameworks relevant to your selected age group

You must include at least 8 references (these are not counted toward your word limit).

Generative AI Use Policy

You are permitted to use generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT) responsibly within these limitations:

Permitted use

• Clarifying concepts, theories, or terminology

• Brainstorming preliminary ideas or prompts

• Checking grammar, coherence or structure in a draft

• Conducting literature searches or summarising articles (but verifying sources yourself)

Prohibited use

• Copying definitions or writing directly from AI into your final submission

• Using AI to generate full arguments or final text for your statements

• Relying solely on AI for design ideas without critical adaptation

You must explicitly acknowledge any use of AI in your submission (e.g. in a short declaration at the end). Failure to do so may be considered breach of academic integrity.

Submission Instructions

1. Use the Assessment 2 Template (provided on Blackboard).

2. Insert your Play Space design, Learning Experience plan, Resource design, and written statements into the template.

3. Include your reference list (APA 7).

4. Add your AI use acknowledgement.

5. Save with filename: SurnameInitials_TCHR5001_Assessment2 (e.g. SmithA_TCHR5001_A2).

6. Submit via Turnitin / LMS by the due date.

Late submission penalty: 5% per calendar day (unless approved special consideration).

Feedback & grading: You will receive a detailed rubric and written feedback within 7 business days.

Assessment Rubric (Summary)

Grades will range from Fail to High Distinction, following SCU standards.

TCHR5001 Assessment Brief 2 Design Task Assignment.

Designing Inclusive Play-Based Learning Environments for Early Childhood.

Creating inclusive play-based learning environments is essential in early childhood education. These spaces must cater to diverse perspectives, respond to children’s interests, and support their development and wellbeing. This paper explores the design of a play space, a learning experience, and a play-based resource for children aged 3-5 years, informed by relevant theories and policies.

Part A: Play Space Design
Design Overview
The play space for children aged 3-5 years is designed to be both stimulating and safe. It includes various zones such as a reading corner, a sensory area, and an art station. Each zone is equipped with age-appropriate resources that encourage exploration and creativity.

Personal Philosophy and Design
A personal philosophy that emphasizes the importance of play in learning underpins this design. Play is seen as a vital component of cognitive and social development, aligning with Vygotsky’s theory of social constructivism, which highlights the role of social interaction in learning (Bodrova & Leong, 2019). The layout encourages collaborative play, allowing children to engage in shared activities that foster communication and problem-solving skills.

Safety and Accessibility
Safety is a priority, with soft flooring and rounded furniture to prevent injuries. The space is accessible to all children, including those with disabilities, ensuring an inclusive environment that respects the rights of every child as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNICEF, 2021).

Part B: Learning Experience Plan
Learning Experience Description
The planned learning experience involves a nature-themed art project where children create collages using natural materials. This activity is designed to enhance language skills and environmental awareness.

Theoretical Perspectives
This experience is grounded in the Reggio Emilia approach, which values the environment as the “third teacher” and encourages exploration and expression through various media (Edwards, Gandini, & Forman, 2018). The use of natural materials connects children to their environment, promoting respect and responsibility towards nature, aligning with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) outcomes (AGDE, 2022).

Implementation
The activity takes place in the outdoor area, where children can freely collect materials. Educators facilitate the process by asking open-ended questions to stimulate thinking and language development. This approach supports sustained shared thinking, a key strategy in early childhood education (Siraj-Blatchford et al., 2019).

Part C: Play-Based Resource Design
Resource Description
The designed resource is a “Nature Exploration Kit” that includes magnifying glasses, collection bags, and identification cards for plants and insects. This kit encourages outdoor exploration and scientific inquiry.

Intended Use and Benefits
The resource aims to support children’s curiosity and observational skills, fostering a sense of wonder about the natural world. It aligns with Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, which emphasizes hands-on experiences as crucial for learning (Piaget, 1952). By engaging with the kit, children develop fine motor skills, critical thinking, and environmental stewardship.

Supporting Developmental Domains
The resource supports multiple developmental domains, including cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development. It encourages children to work together, share discoveries, and discuss their findings, promoting social skills and language development.

Conclusion
Designing play-based learning environments requires a thoughtful integration of theory, philosophy, and practical considerations. By creating spaces and resources that are inclusive and responsive to children’s needs, educators can foster a rich learning experience that supports all aspects of development. This approach not only enhances learning outcomes but also nurtures a lifelong love of learning.

References
AGDE. (2022). Early Years Learning Framework. Australian Government Department of Education.
Bodrova, E., & Leong, D. J. (2019). Vygotskian perspectives on teaching and learning early literacy. Routledge.
Edwards, C., Gandini, L., & Forman, G. (2018). The hundred languages of children: The Reggio Emilia experience in transformation. Praeger.
Piaget, J. (1952). The origins of intelligence in children. International Universities Press.
Siraj-Blatchford, I., Sylva, K., Muttock, S., Gilden, R., & Bell, D. (2019). Researching effective pedagogy in the early years. Institute of Education, University of London.
UNICEF. (2021). Convention on the Rights of the Child. United Nations.

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TCHR5001 Assessment Brief 2
Assessment Details
Item Assessment 2
Type Design Task
Due Friday 4th October 2024, 11:59 pm AEDT (end of Week 6)
Group type Individual / Group
Length 1500 words
(750 words for the written statements and 750 words allocated at your discretion)
Weight 50%
Gen AI use Permitted, restrictions apply
Aligned ULOS ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4
Resources • Assessment 2 Template

Assignment Rationale
As an Early Childhood Teacher, a critical part of your role is to create learning environments that are inclusive of diverse perspectives, responsive to children’s interests and needs, and provide play experiences that support the learning, development, and wellbeing of all, no matter their circumstances. Your decisions and actions should be underpinned by relevant early childhood research, theory, and policy documents. This assessment task offers an opportunity for informed decision-making.
This assignment aligns with the following Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs)
• ULO1: identify and analyse the role of play in learning and examine the challenges pertaining to play and pedagogies.
• ULO2: discuss the diversity of approaches to pedagogies utilised in early childhood education and care, and how they position children, teachers, and parents/carers.
• ULO3: analyse the relationships between philosophy, theory, and pedagogy to the learning environment for all young children (birth – 5 years).
• ULO4: critically reflect on personal philosophy to play and pedagogies for learning and teaching as an early childhood professional.
Task Description
This task requires students to reflect on key issues presented in Modules 1-6 and design a learning space, a play-based learning experience and a play-based resource, for children aged 0-5 years. Each design will be supported by a written statement. A template will be provided.
Instructions
Part A: Play Space Design
You are asked to design an entire indoor or outdoor play space for an age group of your choice (0-1 year, 1-2 years, 2-3 years, or 3-5 years) or one corner of the outdoor or indoor space. Consider elements such as the layout and available resources, how they are used, and their purposes. You may use any computer program to create the design, or it can be hand-drawn. Your design must be inserted into the template provided on the Blackboard site and clearly labelled. Provide a 250-word written statement explaining how your personal philosophy on play-based pedagogy has informed your design for this particular age group.
Part B: Learning Experience Plan
Using the provided learning experience plan template, plan a small group play-based learning experience for your chosen age group (0-1 year, 1-2 years, 2-3 years, or 3-5 years) that will take place in your designed play space. Ensure your learning experience includes objectives based on the Early Years Learning Framework Learning Outcomes. Then, write a 250-word statement explaining the theoretical perspectives that underpin your learning experience.
Part C: Play-Based Resource Design
Desing a resource that engages the chosen age group of children (0-1 year, 1-2 years, 2-3 years, or 3-5 years) in play-based learning. The resource should encourage learning through play and can take various forms, such as a toy, game, activity kit, or interactive digital resource. It can be something you create yourself or build on an existing resource (Please ensure you appropriately acknowledge, reference, and cite the resource you drew upon). Then, write a 250-word statement explaining the resource’s intended use and how it supports children’s learning, development, and wellbeing.
Your task must be supported and informed by:
• A range of theoretical perspectives presented in Module 2
• Academic sources (readings, journal articles, book chapters, etc.)
• Professional sources and ECEC policies (Early Years Learning Framework, National Quality Standard, United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, Code of Ethics, Developmental Milestones, etc.)
Formatting
• APA 7 formatting is required for this task.
• Assessment 2 Template already includes the Southern Cross University cover page, but it is your responsibility to indicate if and how you have used GenAI in the assessment and provide a copy/screenshot of special consideration approval
• For the written statements, please use an easy-to-read font (e.g. Arial 12, Times New Roman 12) and a 1.5-space
Referencing
APA 7 Referencing style is required to be used for this task. Please refer to the APA 7th edition. Referencing Guide for this task – https://libguides.scu.edu.au/apa
You must:
• Create a reference list on the last page of the Assessment 2 Template with a minimum of 6 references, although you may use more. References are not counted in the overall word count
• Literature needs to include the unit textbook, accompanied by peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and other authoritative sources. At a minimum, your sources for this task will include the unit required text, unit readings, EYLF (AGDE, 2022) and broader literature.
• If you have used an AI tool or technology in completing your assessment (for example, brainstorming, understanding concepts, generating examples, summarising readings), acknowledge how you have used AI tools or technologies is required.
• You can create this acknowledgement by adding a declaration at the end of your reference list. For example, I acknowledge the use of ChatGPT to brainstorm concepts ——- for this assessment as a starting point for initial research before writing my assessment.
Submissions
Follow the steps to complete the task:
• Download the Assessment 2 Template provided on the Blackboard site.
• Save the document with your surname, initials, and the assessment title. For example KamenaracO_TCHR5001designtask
• Insert your play space design, learning experience, resource and three (3) written statements into the template.
• Add one reference list to the end of the template. Ensure your reference list is in alphabetical order and adheres to APA7th Referencing Guidelines
• Once complete, submit the Word document via the Turnitin link in the Assessment and Submission section of the Blackboard site.
Generative AI (Artificial Intelligence) use Policy
You are permitted to use generative AI (Gen AI) tools responsibly and ethically to complete components of this assignment.
Please do not post confidential, private, personal, or otherwise sensitive information into Gen AI tools. If you use these tools, you must be aware of their limitations, biases, and propensity for fabrication.
Below are the details of permitted and prohibited uses of Gen AI for this assignment:
Permitted use
Students are permitted to use Generative AI to:
• clarify concepts, theories, ideas, etc., discussed in class
• generate preliminary ideas for writing
• edit a working draft of the assessment
• read and summarise research and supporting evidence for the assessment
Prohibited use
Students are not permitted to use Generative AI to:
• generate definitions or writing used in their final submission.
• produce arguments or refine thinking on their final submission
Any of these actions will constitute and be treated as a breach of academic integrity.
Gen AI Acknowledgement
Your use of AI tools must adhere to the SCU Academic Integrity Framework, which includes upholding honesty, ethics, professionalism, and academic integrity. All use of Gen AI must be explicitly documented and acknowledged in your submission. If you use generative AI tools without acknowledgment, it may result in an academic integrity breach against you, as described in the Student Academic and Non-Academic Misconduct Rules, Section 3. To find out how to reference generative AI in your work, consult the referencing style for your unit via the library referencing guides.
Referencing
You must use APA citation style for in-text citations and a reference list. Remember to cite all sources used, including generative AI tools, to acknowledge their contributions to your work. The reference list is not included in the word limit. Refer to the SCU (Southern Cross University) Library Guides for detailed instructions on APA formatting, and to ensure your referencing is accurate, refer to the SCU Library Guides.
To find out how to reference generative AI in your work, consult the referencing style for your unit via the library referencing guides. If you use generative AI tools without acknowledgement, it may result in an academic integrity breach against you, as described in the Student Academic and Non-Academic Misconduct Rules, Section 3.
Academic Integrity
Adherence to SCU’s academic integrity policies is mandatory. Breaches may result in severe penalties, including failing the assessment or the unit. Examples of academic misconduct include plagiarism, collusion, and the use of unauthorised tools or materials. Refer to SCU’s academic integrity policies and guides for detailed information on what constitutes a breach, and the consequences involved.
Special Considerations
Students wishing to request special consideration must submit a Request for Special Consideration form via their ‘MyEnrolment’ page as early as possible and prior to the original due date for that assessment task, along with any accompanying documents, such as medical certificates.
Late Submissions & Penalties
Except when special consideration is awarded, late submission of assessment tasks will lead automatically to the imposition of a penalty. Penalties will be incurred as soon as the deadline is reached. A penalty of 5% of the available marks will be deducted from the actual mark at one minute after the time listed in the due date. A further penalty of 5% of the available mark will be deducted from the actual mark achieved on each subsequent calendar day until the mark reaches zero.
Grades & Feedback
Assignments submitted by the due date will receive an SCU Letter Grade, a Turnitin originality report, an assessment rubric evaluating performance against specified criteria and standards, and written feedback from the assignment marker. Grades and feedback will be posted to the ‘Grades & Feedback’ section on the learning site. Please allow up to seven business days for marks to be posted.
Grading Criteria & Standards
Works submitted by the due date will be evaluated against the grading criteria and standards outlined below and summarised in the ‘Assessment Rubric’. For more information regarding SCU grades and standards, visit Final Grades.

Continued next page . . .

Assessment Rubric
Grading Criteria High Distinction
(85-100%) Distinction
(75-84%) Credit
(65-74%) Pass
(50-64%) Fail
(1-49%)
Criterion 1. (15%) (ULO1,2&3)
Part A. Play-space design. (Layout and resources). The design is outstandingly creative, well-organised and appropriate to the chosen age group. Chosen resources and layout demonstrate an outstanding understanding of play-based pedagogy and safety considerations. Design is clearly labelled. The design is creative, well-organised and appropriate for the chosen age group’s developmental needs. Chosen resources and layout show a very good understanding of play-based pedagogy and safety considerations. Design is labelled. The design is organised and suitable for the chosen age group’s developmental needs. Chosen resources and layout demonstrate a good understanding of play-based pedagogy. Design is labelled. The design is somewhat organised and suitable for the chosen age group’s developmental needs. Chosen resources and layout indicate a basic understanding of play-based pedagogy. Design is labelled. The design is poorly organised and/or inappropriate for the chosen age group’s developmental needs. Chosen resources and/or layout indicate poor understanding of play-based pedagogy.
Criterion 2. (15%)
(ULO2,3&4)
Part A. Written statement. (Philosophy informing design). The connection between the personal philosophy on play-based pedagogy and the design is outstandingly well-articulated and supported by detailed examples. The connection between the personal philosophy on play-based pedagogy and the design is clearly articulated and supported by relevant examples, through play. The connection between the personal philosophy on play-based pedagogy and the design is adequately articulated and supported by some examples.

The connection between the personal philosophy on play-based pedagogy and the design is somewhat articulated, with few supporting examples. The connection between the personal philosophy on play-based pedagogy and the design is poorly articulated or unsupported by examples.
Criterion 3. (15%)
(ULO1,2&3)
Part b: Play-based learning experience (plan)

The learning experience is outstandingly creative and engaging, providing authentic and interesting opportunities for learning through play. The plan offers extremely clear steps and considerations for implementation.
The learning experience is creative and engaging, offering interesting opportunities for learning through play. The plan offers clear steps and considerations for implementation. The learning experience is somewhat creative and engaging, offering good opportunities for learning through play. The plan offers steps and considerations for implementation. The learning experience shows limited creativity and engagement, with a basic opportunity for learning through play. The plan offers steps and considerations for implementation. The learning experience lacks creativity and engagement, offering minimal opportunities for learning through play. The plan lacks clarity in the steps for implementation.
Criterion 4. (15%) (ULO1,3&4)
Part B. Written statement. (Theoretical perspectives underpinning learning experience). The written statement provides an outstanding explanation of the theoretical perspectives underpinning the learning experience, demonstrating a deep understanding and application of these theories. The written statement provides a strong explanation of the theoretical perspectives, demonstrating a good understanding and application. The written statement provides a good explanation of the theoretical perspectives, with some understanding and application. The written statement provides a basic explanation of the theoretical perspectives, with limited understanding and application. The written statement provides a poor explanation of the theoretical perspectives, demonstrating little to no understanding.
Criterion 5. (15%) (ULO1,2&3)
Part C. Play-based resource.
The resource is engaging, age-appropriate and provides outstanding support for children’s learning, development, and wellbeing.
The resource is engaging, age-appropriate and provides strong support for children’s learning, development, and wellbeing. The resource is age-appropriate and provides adequate support for children’s learning, development, and wellbeing. The resource provides basic support for children’s learning, development, and wellbeing. The resource provides minimal support for children’s learning, development, and wellbeing.
Criterion 6. (15%)
(ULO1,3&4)
Part C. Written statement (How does the play-based resource support children’s learning, development and wellbeing, links to developmental domains) The written statement is outstandingly clear and thorough, providing a deep and insightful explanation of the resource’s intended use and how it supports children’s learning, development, and wellbeing with clear links to a range of developmental domains. The written statement is clear and comprehensive, providing a strong explanation of the resource’s intended use and how it supports children’s learning, development, and wellbeing with clear links to at least three developmental domains. The written statement is generally clear and detailed, providing a good explanation of the resource’s intended use and how it supports children’s learning, development, and wellbeing, with links to at least two developmental domains. The written statement is somewhat clear, providing a basic explanation of the resource’s intended use and how it supports children’s learning, development, and wellbeing, with links to a developmental domain. The written statement lacks clarity and detail, providing an inadequate explanation of the resource’s intended use and how is supports children’s learning, development, and wellbeing, with little link to developmental domains.
Criterion 7. (10%)
(ULO1-4)
Supporting evidence, including academic and professional resources/literature. Outstanding use of academic and professional sources and literature throughout the task. Outstanding integration of these materials with deep and insightful connections. The submission demonstrates an advanced understanding and critical engagement with the materials. Very good use of academic and professional sources and literature throughout the task. There is a strong integration of these materials with clear and relevant connections. Good use of academic and professional sources and literature. Clear but, at times, superficial connections. Basic use of academic and/or professional sources and literature. Some connections are unclear or lack depth. Limited or incorrect use of academic and/or professional sources and literature.

DESCRIPTION OF SCU GRADES
High Distinction:
The student’s performance, in addition to satisfying all of the basic learning requirements, demonstrates distinctive insight and ability in researching, analysing and applying relevant skills and concepts, and shows exceptional ability to synthesise, integrate and evaluate knowledge. The student’s performance could be described as outstanding in relation to the learning requirements specified.
Distinction:
The student’s performance, in addition to satisfying all of the basic learning requirements, demonstrates distinctive insight and ability in researching, analysing and applying relevant skills and concepts, and shows a well-developed ability to synthesise, integrate and evaluate knowledge. The student’s performance could be described as distinguished in relation to the learning requirements specified.
Credit:
The student’s performance, in addition to satisfying all of the basic learning requirements specified, demonstrates insight and ability in researching, analysing and applying relevant skills and concepts. The student’s performance could be described as competent in relation to the learning requirements specified.
Pass:
The student’s performance satisfies all of the basic learning requirements specified and provides a sound basis for proceeding to higher-level studies in the subject area. The student’s performance could be described as satisfactory in relation to the learning requirements specified.
Fail: The student’s performance fails to satisfy the learning requirements specified.

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Teaching strategies/ Pedagogical approaches
Strategy Definition
Active listening Encouraging children to lead conversations. Teachers create opportunities for shared, sustained conversations by listening deeply and thoughtfully to what children are saying and actively responding to their contributions.

Challenging Offering children opportunities to extend their knowledge and skills in the context of secure relationships. Teachers gauge when to offer challenges and opportunities through provocation and reflection that will extend children’s thinking and learning.

Collaborating Enabling children to take the lead in their learning while working with them to contribute to, rather than dominate, the direction of the experience. This can also include involving others (e.g. family members and members of the community) who may have particular expertise or knowledge that can inform and support learning.

Direct instruction Using explicit teaching strategies when other strategies might not be safe or appropriate.

Encouraging Making comments that support, motivate and encourage children to persist.

Explaining Making ideas and requests clear for children. This is useful when children want or need to understand a concept or idea.

Gaining prior knowledge Acquiring information about a child’s previous learning, interests and individual needs.
Giving feedback Offering constructive, specific feedback on behaviours or actions.
Holistic, integrated and interconnected approaches Holistic approaches recognise the integration and connectedness of all dimensions of children’s learning, development and wellbeing. When educators take a holistic approach, they pay attention to children’s physical, personal, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing and cognitive aspects of learning.
Inquiry based learning Children pose questions and investigate the answers. This allows them to they feel in charge of their own learning. Inquiry-based approaches to learning harness this spirit of investigation, creating an interesting, engaging and meaningful curriculum that uses children’s interests and questions as a starting point for effective learning.
Intentionality Educators are intentional in all aspects of the curriculum and act deliberately, thoughtfully and purposefully to support children’s learning through play. They recognise that learning occurs in social contexts and that joint attention, interactions, conversations and shared thinking are vitally important for learning.
Labelling Labelling emotions expands children’s emotional vocabulary. Further, identifying emotions is also useful for learning to read other people and what they might be feeling.
Making connections Helping children to see relationships and inconsistencies. Teachers contribute to and extend children’s thinking by comparing their experiences and ideas.

Modelling Demonstrating a skill or routine. Teachers gradually release responsibility so children can practise and master the skill or routine.

Narrating This allows children to be the expert of their play and increases vocabulary. Narrate what the child is doing without inputting your ideas through questioning “You are making curly lines with the blue crayon”.
Negotiating Working with children to consider their own and others’ perspectives, and develop problem-solving strategies and solutions that cater to the different perspectives.

Positioning Placing objects or yourself in particular areas. You may intentionally place different objects together to promote a learning objective.
Project based learning Acquire knowledge and skills by working on a project over a period of time.
Prompting recall Reinforce concepts, solve problems, report on observations or develop concentration. “Do you remember what happened when tried this?”
Providing choice Recognising children’s agency by offering opportunities for children to make safe choices and experience the consequences of their actions. Provisions for choice need to be considered in the context of relationships and should not place children at risk or in danger. Supporting children to make choices encourages autonomy and independence.

Questioning Open-ended questioning can be used to extend children’s thinking and problem-solving. Teachers emphasise reasoning and willingness to change thinking when gaining information from questioning.

Reflecting guiding children to reflect on their day and their learning experiences, and to engage in thinking that helps them to build on prior learning. The process of reflection is strengthened by engaging in high-quality verbal interactions about current learning and what comes next for each child.

Repeating child’s language
Researching helping children to gather information to find solutions to problems. Researching involves asking questions and using a range of sources.

Responding to cues Accurately responding to each infant’s pattern of sleep, hunger, alertness, and need for comfort.

Role play Role plays involve practising communication skills and discovering what works personally for an individual and what does not work. Children and educators can engage in role play.
Scaffolding Providing children with a supportive framework for taking the next steps or moving to a higher level of thinking. Teachers use their knowledge of children’s strengths, interests, ideas and needs to break down skills and routines to guide each child.

Serve and return hen an infant or young child babbles, gestures, or cries, and an adult responds appropriately with eye contact, words, or a hug, neural connections are built and strengthened in the child’s brain that support the development of communication and social skills.
Suggesting This involves offering children advice, ideas and recommendations about what to do next.
Sustained shared thinking Sustained shared thinking occurs when educators support the development of children’s complex thinking and problem-solving skills by engaging children in open-ended and exploratory conversations.
Please note these are only some possible strategies that you may wish to use. Please feel free to utilise in your design strategies from diverse cultural contexts and knowledges (i.e. indigenous perspectives of play and recourses)that may not be listed here.

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EDEC5010: Contemporary Approaches to Play and Pedagogy

Assessment 2: Pedagogical Design Portfolio

Assessment Details

Assignment Rationale

As a contemporary Early Childhood Teacher, your role extends beyond the classroom to creating learning environments that are not only inclusive and responsive but also culturally aware and sustainable. Your pedagogical decisions must create a nexus between children’s interests, theoretical knowledge, and community values. This assessment challenges you to design a holistic learning context—comprising a space, an experience, and a resource—that demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of early childhood theory, policy, and practice. Your designs should reflect a commitment to fostering children’s sense of Belonging, Being, and Becoming.

This assignment aligns with the following Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs):

• ULO1: Analyse the intersection of play, pedagogy, and curriculum in diverse early childhood settings.
• ULO2: Evaluate how pedagogical approaches and learning environments can foster principles of inclusion, sustainability, and cultural responsiveness.
• ULO3: Synthesise philosophy, theory, and policy to justify pedagogical decisions for children from birth to 5 years.
• ULO4: Articulate and critically reflect upon a personal philosophy of teaching that informs professional practice in early childhood education.

Task Description

This task requires you to reflect on key concepts from Modules 1-6 to design a learning space, a play-based learning experience, and a play-based resource for a specific age group (0-2 years or 3-5 years). Each of the three components must be presented in the provided template and supported by a critical written statement.

Part A: The Sustainable Play Space

Design one significant area of an indoor or outdoor play space for your chosen age group. Your design should prioritise the use of sustainable, natural, and upcycled materials. Consider how the layout and resources promote exploration, safety, and a connection to the natural world (Connecting to Country). You may create your design using a computer program or a clear, labelled hand drawing, which must be inserted into the template.

Accompanying your design, provide a 250-word written statement that explains how your personal philosophy of play and sustainability has informed the design choices for this specific age group.

Part B: The Learning Experience Plan

Using the provided template, plan a small group play-based learning experience that could occur within your designed space. The experience should align with the principles of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) V2.0 and demonstrate intentional teaching.

Follow this with a 250-word written statement that identifies and justifies the theoretical perspectives (e.g., Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, sociocultural theories) that underpin the learning experience’s design and implementation.

Part C: The Community-Focused Resource

Design a unique play-based resource that can be used within your learning experience. This could be a story stone set, a sensory board, an interactive provocation kit, or a digital tool. The resource should be designed to be engaging for children and also act as a bridge to connect with families and the wider community.

Conclude with a 250-word written statement explaining the resource’s intended use and how it supports children’s holistic development (cognitive, social-emotional, physical) while also fostering valuable home-learning and community partnerships.

Supporting Your Work

Your portfolio must be informed and supported by:

• A range of theoretical perspectives from the unit.
• Academic sources, including peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters.
• Professional and policy documents, such as the Early Years Learning Framework (Belonging, Being & Becoming) V2.0, the National Quality Standard (NQS), the ECA Code of Ethics, and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Formatting and Referencing

• Formatting: Please use the Assessment 2 Portfolio Template provided on the learning site. Written statements should use a readable 12-point font (e.g., Calibri, Arial) and 1.5 line spacing.
• Referencing: The APA 7th edition referencing style is mandatory. You must include a single reference list at the end of your template with a minimum of 6 high-quality references. The reference list is not included in the word count.

Generative AI (GenAI) Use Policy

You are permitted to use GenAI tools responsibly to assist with this assignment (e.g., for brainstorming, summarising articles, or checking grammar). However, you are prohibited from using GenAI to generate the final written text for your statements or to create your core arguments. All use of GenAI must be explicitly acknowledged in a declaration at the end of your reference list. Unacknowledged use constitutes a breach of academic integrity.

(Standard university policies on Submission, Late Penalties, Academic Integrity, and Feedback would be included here, mirroring the detail in the example you provided.)

Assessment Rubric