Qualification: NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator
Unit: Unit 3.2: Plan, lead and review play opportunities which support children’s learning and development in relation to current frameworks
Learning outcome: Be able to review how planned play opportunities contribute to own practice
Assessment criteria: Analyse own role in relation to planned play opportunities
As well as reflecting on how planned activities related to the EYFS, it is also useful to reflect on and assess your own role during a planned learning opportunity.
Self-reflection is the best way to learn from your experiences because it forces you to carefully consider your actions and decisions and assess what went well and the areas of your practice that may require improvement.
There are several aspects that you should think about.
Firstly, consider whether you were active and fully engaged during the activity. Did you provide clear instructions, demonstrate what was expected and give praise or feedback when necessary?
Secondly, reflect on your use of resources in relation to the planned learning opportunity. Did your prepare everything you needed beforehand? Were they appropriate for the age group? Did they support learning effectively?
Thirdly, reflect on your communication skills with the children and how well you interacted with them. Did you give each child in the group sufficient attention? How well did the children respond to your instructions, questions and ideas?
Next, consider how you observed children during the activity. Did you ensure that all children were able to participate? Did you document and record any observations effectively? Did you use the information to inform other planning?
You should also consider how you supported each child’s learning and development during the activity.