3.2 Shows competence in observing & planning for literacy & numeracy experiences & environs, adapting to specific learner needs, interests & contexts.

 The Planning Cycle

Jordan Building Blocks

     1.      Data - From observations, voices of children /parents, photographs, work samples etc.

-       The educator approaches the building area and says, “there’s lots of construction stuff here”. Jordan begins to build using blocks, he stacks four large rectangular blocks on top of one another, the educator asks, “can you build it taller” he puts another block on top. Jordan grabs a toy hammer and taps on top of the blocks, the educator says “its sturdier now, it’s a sturdy tower”. Jordan puts another block on, the educator says, “it’s getting tall, it’s almost as tall as Jordan”. Jordan puts another block on top, and then another describing that “It’s a green” block. Another educator asks “what else”, he places another block on top before pushing it over. 

2.     Analyse - What learning is taking place here?

-        Numeracy: The shape and size of the blocks, the height of the tower

-        Literacy: The educators used words like tall, tower and sturdy, to describe his building, and compared the height of it to Jordan himself.

-        Understanding: Has understanding of what different tools are used for in construction, uses the hammer to tap on top of the tower.

3.     Plan - What other learning is possible...

-       Jordan’s play and interest in blocks gives opportunity for more numeracy experiences. In the construction area there was only one size and shaped block. If different size and shaped blocks were added to the play space, it can give more experiences for shape and size understanding, and give opportunities for sorting, classifying and patterning. 

-       In the video educators compared the height of the tower to Jordan, measuring tools could be added to the play space, these could include tape measures, rulers, string, ribbons and any other materials Jordan could use to measure his tower. Educators could also count the number of blocks in the tower with Jordan.

-       A mirror could also be added to the area, to encourage Jordan to build 3-dimensionally.

-       Other materials such as bubble wrap, different textured material, cellophane, squares of fake grass, figurines and any other materials that Jordan may be interested in could be added to the play space. These materials give Jordan opportunities to build on his creation, and allow educators to introduce new words to describe the different materials, which build on Jordan’s literacy experiences.

4.     Reflect/Review - Evaluate what Principles, Practices and Learning Outcomes have been considered in your planning

Children are curious and enthusiastic participants, who express wonder and interest, and investigate, imagine, explore, problem solve and make meaning through play. Jordan will develop his numeracy skills, in particular his concept and understanding of shape, size, length and height. Jordan will do this by showing interest in the play area, exploring the different blocks in the play space, and by investigating the new materials. Actions such as sorting, classifying and patterning will show his growing understanding of the nature of mathematics.