According to the EYLF (AGDE, 2022), educators are informed by the range of theories and approaches when plan for and support children’s learning. Some theories you already know from the previous version of the EYLF (developmental, socio-cultural, feminist, critical), yet there are few new ones to unpack.
Developmental Theories
| Theory | Key Concepts and Examples |
|---|---|
| Attachment Theory | Key theorist – John Bowbly. Focuses on children forming trusting relationships with significant adults. Example: A child forming a strong bond with a primary caregiver. |
| Social Learning Theory | Highlights how children observe and imitate others’ behavior. Example: A child learning to tie shoelaces by watching an older sibling. A negative example: A child learns to swear because they have heard their family language. |
| Cognitive Theory | Piaget theory is a tipical example of cognitive theory here. Describes thought processes influencing how children engage with their world. Example: A child using problem-solving skills to complete a puzzle. Stages of cognitive development can be used to decide whether the environment is appropriate for this age group. |
Socio-Cultural Theories
| Theory | Key Concepts and Examples |
|---|---|
| Socio-Cultural Theories | Theorists that you probably know are: Vygotsky, Rogoff, Bronfenbrenner and Fleer. Emphasise the role of families and cultural groups in children’s learning. Example: A child learning cultural traditions and values from family members; a child has learned how to use a fishing rod , as they went fishing with their granpa. |
Practice Theories
| Theory | Key Concepts and Examples |
|---|---|
| Affordance Theory | The theorist is Gibson. Affordance theory encourages educators to consider the possibilities the environment offers. Example: Providing a variety of materials to stimulate different types of play. |
| Practice Architectures | Examines educators’ understandings, practices, and relationships. Example: Reflecting on how educators communicate and collaborate in a learning environment. |
The term “affordance” is explained in this video
Ancestral Knowledges
| Theory | Key Concepts and Examples |
|---|---|
| Ancestral Knowledges | Ways of knowing shared through history and culture in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditions. For example, Possum Skin Pedagogy and 8 ways framework. Example: Passing down cultural stories orally from generation to generation. |
Place-Based Sciences
| Theory | Key Concepts and Examples |
|---|---|
| Place-Based Sciences | Related to Affordances and Ancestral knowledge theory. Fosters community connections based on local funds of knowledge. Example: Incorporating local cultural practices into the curriculum. |
Critical Theories
| Theory | Key Concepts and Examples |
|---|---|
| Critical Theories | Paulo Freire, Jurgen Habermas. Critical theory challenges assumptions about curriculum and considers how decisions may impact children differently. Example: Questioning the inclusion of certain narratives or perspectives in educational materials. |
Feminist/Post-structuralist Theories
| Theory | Key Concepts and Examples |
|---|---|
| Feminist/Post-structuralist | Offers insights into power, equity, and social justice in early childhood settings. Example: Examining gender biases in teaching materials and promoting inclusive practices. |
Which of these theories are you most familiar with?
Which theory would you like to learn more about?
