Growing Learner Assets in the Early Years Classroom (Kath Murdoch)

Description

“Children’s early learning influences their life chances. Wellbeing and a strong sense of connection, optimism and engagement enable children to develop a positive attitude to learning. “ EYLF p10.

The early years educator plays a vital role in the development of children’s identity as learners. What we think, say and do impacts heavily on whether or not children have a strong sense of their own agency – whether they see themselves as empowered, capable learners or see learning as something done ‘to’ them.  

There is growing evidence of the importance of nurturing the kinds of dispositions and skills associated with agency. Being curious, adventurous, resilient and resourceful coupled with the skills of self management, collaboration, thinking and communication are amongst what we can think of as ‘assets’ for learning. Growing these assets in our youngest learners sets them on a path to independence and a love of learning for life. 

In this interactive webinar, Kath Murdoch will share with participants approaches to and strategies for introducing and working with her ‘Learner Assets’ in the early years. These skills and dispositions do not grow by chance – they are best developed through an explicit, thoughtful, embedded approach that weaves in an inquiry stance.  Kath will draw upon her vast experience of introducing her learning assets to schools all over the world in sharing really practical ways to effectively embed the assets into our work with young children and their families.