Contents |
Introduction | 4 |
1. What is intentional teaching? | 6 |
Exploring possible confusion and shifts in practice | 7 |
What is play-based learning and intentionality? | 9 |
Concerns if too much formalised curriculum | 12 |
Intentionality is needed in both indoor and outdoor environments | 14 |
A balance of child-led and adult-led learning is important | 15 |
Hidden practice that goes unnoticed | 16 |
Techniques and strategies | 17 |
Teachable moments and responsiveness to children | 19 |
Clarifying terminology | 21 |
How and why intentional teaching is important | 25 |
Reflective questions | 26 |
2. What we need to consider | 27 |
Theories that educators draw on | 27 |
Policies, frameworks and guiding documents | 28 |
Defining professionalism | 32 |
Reflecting philosophy | 33 |
Voices of all | 36 |
Holistic, integrated and interconnected approaches | 39 |
Being tuned in to children's needs | 40 |
A strength-based approach | 42 |
Case studies that reflect principles and practices | 43 |
Learning outcomes | 45 |
Meaningful documentation | 46 |
Curriculum approaches | 53 |
Reflective questions | 53 |
3. Critical reflection by all | 54 |
Personal reflections as an educator | 54 |
Reflecting on principles and practices | 55 |
Involving others in the reflection process | 55 |
Questioning practice to be more intentional | 59 |
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives | 59 |
Critical reflection and implications for practice | 65 |
Reflecting on effective group times | 67 |
Reflective questions | 70 |
4. Creating an environment for intentional teaching | 71 |
Creating welcoming environments | 72 |
Materials and equipment | 72 |
Setting up environments for play experiences | 75 |
Environments that reflect social and cultural contexts | 78 |
Hands-on contact with living things | 79 |
Natural environments for intentional teaching | 80 |
Materials for reflecting a culturally responsive and inclusive curriculum | 85 |
Establishing flexible routines | 86 |
Reflective questions | 88 |
5. Identifying opportunities for intentional teaching | 89 |
What to focus on | 89 |
An emergent curriculum | 90 |
Learning across the curriculum | 90 |
Reflective questions | 107 |
6. Promoting the role of the educator | 108 |
How do you know your work is valued by families? | 108 |
Brain overload! | 109 |
Effective supervision | 110 |
Responsive and passionate educators | 110 |
Making intentional teaching visible | 112 |
Communicating the learning | 114 |
Reflective questions | 116 |
Conclusion | 117 |
References | 118 |
Further resources | 120 |