{"id":2323,"date":"2025-04-20T16:43:19","date_gmt":"2025-04-20T06:43:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dubboelc.com.au\/?page_id=2323"},"modified":"2025-04-20T16:43:19","modified_gmt":"2025-04-20T06:43:19","slug":"child-directed-learning","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/dubboelc.com.au\/?page_id=2323","title":{"rendered":"Child-Directed Learning"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>Children lead the way in their own learning journey.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">We empower children to make decisions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>At Dubbo Early Learning Centre, children are trusted to choose, explore, and lead. Our environment is set up so they can access materials independently. Art supplies, puzzles, books, and construction items are placed on low shelves, clearly labelled with pictures. Children don\u2019t have to ask\u2014they simply go ahead and follow their curiosity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">We follow their interests<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Each week, children help shape the direction of the program. In child-led planning meetings, they suggest ideas, vote on projects, and ask questions that guide our curriculum. If a child wonders about bugs, we might go on a bug hunt, read insect books, build a bug hotel, or invite a parent to share their garden knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our spaces are flexible<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Children choose what to do, where to go, and how long to stay at each learning area. This open-ended approach means they\u2019re not rushed or restricted. Instead, they develop focus, confidence, and ownership over their play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Leadership is shared<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Every child gets a turn to lead. Whether it\u2019s choosing a group time song, helping set up an experience, or welcoming new friends, children take active roles in shaping the day. We even involve children in risk assessment\u2014talking about what might be unsafe and deciding together how to make play areas safer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Families help bring learning to life<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When a child shares something they do at home\u2014like baking, a family tradition, or a favourite story\u2014we use it to spark learning. Parents are invited to send in recipes, photos, or cultural items, or even visit the room to share their skills. These home\u2013centre connections help children feel proud and understood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our philosophy guides us<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Our child-directed approach reflects our philosophy. We believe children are capable, confident learners. We value play, independence, social learning, cultural inclusion, and connection to nature. When children have a say in their learning, they grow not just in knowledge, but in voice, confidence, and identity.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Children lead the way in their own learning journey. We empower children to make decisions At Dubbo Early Learning Centre, children are trusted to choose, explore, and lead. Our environment is set up so they can access materials independently. Art supplies, puzzles, books, and construction items are placed on low shelves, clearly labelled with pictures. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2323","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dubboelc.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2323","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dubboelc.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dubboelc.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dubboelc.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dubboelc.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2323"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/dubboelc.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2323\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2325,"href":"https:\/\/dubboelc.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2323\/revisions\/2325"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dubboelc.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2323"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}