Planning in the early years can be hard, as it requires educators to use the planning cycle and make many decisions about what is important and what is not, based on our professional knowledge, our knowledge of children, local families and communities, days of importance etc. We have to set a realistc, yet meaningful curriculum goals and update them regularly. But the biggest challenge is where to start?
This program is closely aligned with the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) guidelines, particularly Quality Area 1: Educational Program and Practice. According to ACECQA, Quality Area 1 is essential for providing a balanced, responsive, and engaging curriculum, where each child’s strengths and interests are considered to ensure meaningful learning experiences. Learn more about ACECQA Quality Area 1 here. Additionally, this is an example of an early childhood program that adheres to those principles.
This sample program is based on these principles by carefully planning activities that foster creativity, curiosity, and resilience in young learners. Each activity is tailored to build on children’s observed behaviours and connect them to learning outcomes that support their physical, emotional, and social development. This approach exemplifies how an early childhood program can be structured for optimal learning.
Weekly program
14/10 – 18/10
Planned experiences and spontaneous opportunities
| Day | Story/Song | Art/Craft | Sensory Activity | Mindfulness Activity | Group Learning | Outdoor Play |
| Monday | There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly | Making homemade playdough | Farm Animals Sensory Bin with grass and hay | Bell bowl meditation | Introduction to sustainability with natural materials | Mud kitchen & sandpit play |
| Tuesday | I Wonder What Your Name Is | Moon Sand | Rainbow Rice Sensory Play | Outdoor bell meditation with nature sounds | Recycled pots for planting seeds | Water play with cups and bowls |
| Wednesday | Three Little Pigs & Goldilocks and the Three Bears | Easel painting with natural paints | Sink or Float Experiment with sticks, leaves, and stones | Breathing exercises on the mat | Watering the veggie patch, learning about plants | Garden care and sandpit exploration |
| Thursday | I Am a Gummy Bear & There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly | Sticky table collage with natural materials | Singing Bowl Introduction, turn-taking to create sounds | Mindful listening to nature sounds | Planting seeds in recycled pots, focus on sustainability | Bike riding & veggie patch digging |
| Friday | Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? | Drawing with chalk outside | Water Play Science Station for pouring and volume | Bell meditation with deep breathing | Composting and recycling, discussing environmental impact | Loose parts water play |
To learn how to plan experiences and document them, watch this video on an amazing DET literacy toolkit which can provide you an excellent early childhood program example.
Weekly Reflection & Spontaneous Learning
| Reflection Topics | Children’s Spontaneous Choices | Learning Goals |
| Children are settling into routines and engaging in activities. The focus on sustainable practices has sparked curiosity. | – Role-playing as rockets in ‘space’ – Drawing on the whiteboard and replicating drawings – Singing and creating music with peers | – Support identity and community involvement – Foster curiosity through sensory and nature play – Encourage mindfulness and emotional regulation – Develop fine and gross motor skills |
Resources, Environment Adjustments & Family Involvement
| New Equipment | Materials Used | Environment Changes | Family Involvement |
| Light table for sensory exploration | Grass, leaves, recycled containers, clay, chalk | Enhanced outdoor area with mud kitchen and vegetable garden | Weekly updates and photos Feedback on child interests Home learning suggestions on sensory play |
How do you plan your program? Let’s discuss any early childhood program examples you might have!
Storykate
