ECA Learning Hub

This module is designed to provide a practical understanding of Nature Pedagogy. It is relevant for all early childhood education and care professionals who are interested in incorporating nature learning within their setting. This is an introductory module and does not need any prerequisite knowledge of the topic.

In this course, you will:

• list the four fundamental elements that influence the way you work with children
• describe the four features of Nature Pedagogy and how you would consider these while creating your learning structure
• summarise the theory of loose parts and take practical steps to use them more effectively within your setting
• demonstrate the thinking behind play affordance and implement it with the children you care for and educate.

Light and shadow are an integral part of nature. This module is designed for early childhood professionals who are interested in helping young children in their setting explore the concepts of light and shadow. This is an introductory module and does not need any prerequisite knowledge of the topic.

In this course, you will:

• outline the potential of light and shadow for playful inquiry
• explain the science of light and shadow and use it to support children’s learning experience
• apply the 10 things you’ve learnt about light and shadow to improve the quality of your interaction with children.

Learning with nature – Puddles is aimed at all professionals working within early years childcare and education who are interested in incorporating water puddle play within their setting to inspire and support children’s learning. This module will give you a practical understanding of how you can include puddle play as part of nature-based learning within your setting. This is an introductory module and does not need any prerequisite knowledge of the topic.

In this course, you will:

• discuss the potential use of puddles as a unique opportunity for integrated learning and development
• explain and justify the inclusion of puddles in nature-based programs
• apply the 10 things you’ve learnt about puddles to improve the quality of your interaction with children.

Fifth in the 'Learning with nature' series, this modules is apt for early childhood professionals who are interested in incorporating experiences and learning opportunities for children around the properties of air and wind. This is an introductory module and does not need any prerequisite knowledge of the topic.

In this course, you will:

• understand how to teach children about the properties of air, specifically wind, to enhance their learning journeys
• explain and justify the inclusion of wind in nature-based programs
• apply the 10 things you’ve learnt about wind to improve the quality of your interaction with children.

This series is suitable for all educators currently working in an approved education and care setting across Australia. This is a foundation course that focuses on essential knowledge to guide children’s behaviour and may be suitable for educators who are new to the sector or embarking on a formal early childhood qualification.

Learners will have the opportunity to discover the meaning of neurodiversity, and make connections through play-based learning. You will explore the brain and its functions, and learn how neurodiverse children see and engage in play differently. Having an understanding of how neurodiverse children brains work, will ultimately support educators to develop safe, secure and trusting relationships with children through play.

Educators who are able to support play with children will promote individual learning and development, and enhance children’s understanding of the world around them.

In part 1 of this series, you will:

• develop an understanding of neurodiversity, neurodiverse children and how they interact with their environment
• explore the importance of play in developing relationships with children
• discover how to be a positive play partner and build relationships through play.

In part 2 of this series, you will:

• discover how to respond to children in play
• develop an understanding of how to build play skills
• explore the importance of developing trusting relationships to support families.

This module explores how educators can support children’s maths and numeracy learning by weaving mathematical concepts and ideas into day-to-day practice, play and outdoor programs. It also looks at intentional teaching and child-led learning and highlights why it’s important for educators to model how to think and talk mathematically.

In this course, you will:

• learn how to include maths and numeracy concepts in your daily practice with children
• understand how to plan for mathematical learning
• reflect on the role of children in planning the educational program
• unpack how play-based learning and intentional teaching practices can support children’s mathematical understanding
• hear case studies from early childhood and school settings and find out how some educators incorporate maths in their learning environments.

This course is suitable for educators who have a foundational understanding of the nationally approved learning frameworks. Educators should have a robust understanding of contemporary teaching approaches such as play-based learning, the role of the environment and intentional teaching before embarking on this course.

Music has long been regarded as an important part of early childhood education. In this module, explore music as an integral and vibrant part of a child’s family, community and culture, and how it can be utilised as a powerful tool for learning and development. Written by Dr Amanda Niland, this module is a vibrant look at the foundations of music, ‘musicking’ and musical skills — for both educators and children.

For young children, music can be a way of:

• connecting with others
• expressing themselves, and
• exploring and making meaning through their senses.

In this course you will:

• understand the central role of music in children’s lives
• explore how music contributes to children’s sense of belonging and developing identity
• examine the ways in which music can support and enrich children’s learning and development in communication and language, social skills, motor skills, creative and flexible thinking
• view music as both a mode of communication and an expressive art form and children as capable musicians, and
• discover strategies and resources you can use to increase your confidence and ability to share in music-making with young children.

This package contains the modules Introduction to the Talking Tubs Moving forward with Talking Tubs for those who wish to focus on the Talking Tubs.

A Talking Tub is an object which a practitioner fills with a wide variety of objects which all fit a particular theme. Objects can then be taken out one by one encouraging children to touch, feel, and explore a theme. Observation, documentation, assessment and planning are most effective when they are matched to the needs of the child. In order to achieve this we need to understand children’s thinking, through considering all the ways in which they communicate.

In these modules, you will have learnt how to:

• ensure quality and intentionality of the contents when making up a Talking Tub
• balance questioning and discussion with children
• use Talking Tubs with non-verbal children
• use the process of self-expression and know-how visible for children, staff and visitors
• use Talking Tubs with those who English is an additional language.

The Talking Tub is a vital part of the Talking and Thinking Floorbooks Approach. The tub will allow you to provoke child-led conversations which in turn will create Possible Lines of Development.