Workshop Three - Analysis of Childrens Learning

Documenting childrens learning is more than just writing an observation. The

written observation needs to be analysed for meaning. When analysing observations,
we ask questions such as:

What does the observation tell me about the childrens interests, knowledge
and dispositions?

What questions or problems are children encountering and how are they
responding to these, for example: persisting at a task, seeking assistance?

What learning processes are evident, for example problem solving or

co-construction of learning?

What does the observation indicate about social interaction?

What does the observation tell me about equity issue and power relation?

Analysis of Childrens Learning (Link it to EYLF Outcomes)

When we write the analysis of childrens learning, we can analyse it through
different perspectives. For example: We can focus on developmental perspective,
such as language, fine motor skills, problem solving skills; and we can also focus on
social perspective, such as childrens interactions or relationships with others.
The analysis of childrens learning has to be linked to the five outcomes of EYLF.
Therefore, we have to be familiar with each outcome of EYLF. (Please go to the
Weebly website to download the mini-version of EYLF 5 outcomes).
Weebly link:
http://kuringgaifamilydaycareworkshop.weebly.com/workshop-two---analyse-childr
ens-learning.html
1

We can start off the analysis by writing:

Through the observation

During the process of observation

Example of analysing a childs Learning:

Through this observation, Hugo helped his friend to stack the blocks side by side, showing
evidence that Hugo engaged in and contributed to sharing in a play experience (Outcome
1.4.2). As Hugo said: We are building a big house. This is our house. by using the words we
and our, shows that Hugo recognised the contribution his friend made to the shared
experiences (Outcome 3.1.13).

(Use the sub-outcomes within the EYLF to help you add to the analysis, based on
what you observed. To do this, choose the relevant EYLF sub-outcomes. Also include
evidence from your observation to tie it all in together.)

Write an analysis of childrens learning, and link it to the EYLF outcomes:

Childs name/s
Date: 03.04.2015
Ethan, Daniel
Time:
9:35-9:50AM
Context: Sand play (Morning outdoor free play)
Observation

Age or DOB
4years, 3.8years

Ethan and Daniel are sitting in the centre of the sandpit, Ethan holds a spoon in his right hand and
places a frying pan onto his legs, as he digs some sand and puts it in the frying pan. After he puts the
sand in the frying pan, he says: I am making a cake. Then, he digs more sand to fill his frying pan.
Daniel looks at Ethan and says: I am also going to dig and make a cake. He finds a spoon and a
colander in the sandpit, then, he sits opposite Ethan and starts to dig and puts the sand into his
colander. Daniel says: I am going to dig fast. Ethan looks at Daniels action in filling the sand into the
colander, he moves closer to Daniel and says: Too much, it is full. Daniel looks at Ethan and his
colander and starts to gently wipe away the sand from the edge of the colander and laughs saying:
Ive dug it fast, I am making chocolate cake.
Ethan watches Daniels cake and says: I am also making a chocolate cake; I am making a big
chocolate cake. Ethan stands up and carries his frying pan next to Daniels colander and puts it in the
sand. He smiles and says to Daniel: Daniel, you are my friend. Daniel keeps preparing his cake and
nods his head saying: Yes, we are friends, and we make cakes together. Both of them smile to each
other as they keep on making their cakes.

Analysing childrens Learning: (Link it to EYLF Outcomes)

Use one of your own observation, and analyse the childrens Learning within your observation:
(Link it to EYLF Outcomes)

Extra information:

You can access the Weebly website by copying and pasting this link:
http://kuringgaifamilydaycareworkshop.weebly.com/

(There are more examples of observations and analysis of childrens learning on the
Weebly website).

The original version of EYLF Outcomes PDF can be downloaded by copying and
pasting this link:
https://docs.education.gov.au/system/files/doc/other/belonging_being_and_becom
ing_the_early_years_learning_framework_for_australia.pdf