Children’s agency is all about empowering children to make choices, express their ideas, and influence decisions that affect them. It’s not just a buzzword—it’s a cornerstone of respectful, rights-based early childhood education. The following article provides information on Why Is Children's Agency Important, What Are Effective Strategies For Fostering Children's Agency, What Are Some Practical Way To Promote Agency In Children, ACECQA’s Guidance On Supporting Agency and more.
In practice, fostering agency might look like
- Offering real choices: Letting children decide between activities, materials, or even how they want to be comforted.
- Listening deeply: Valuing their opinions during group discussions or planning.
- Encouraging independence: Supporting them to solve problems, take risks, and reflect on their learning.
- Creating flexible routines: Allowing time for children to follow their interests and revisit ideas.
Why Is Children's Agency Important
Children’s agency is vital because it lays the foundation for confident, capable, and resilient learners—both now and into adulthood.
Developmental Impact
- Builds identity and confidence: When children make choices and see their ideas valued, they develop a strong sense of self and belief in their abilities.
- Fosters critical thinking: Agency encourages children to reflect, problem-solve, and make decisions—skills essential for lifelong learning.
- Supports emotional wellbeing: Feeling heard and respected nurtures emotional security and reduces anxiety, especially in environments where children may otherwise feel powerless.
Educational Value
- Deepens engagement: Children are more motivated and invested when they have a say in what and how they learn.
- Promotes meaningful learning: When children co-construct experiences, the learning becomes more relevant and memorable.
- Aligns with rights-based practice: The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child affirms that children have the right to participate in decisions affecting their lives.
Long-Term Outcomes
- Prepares for citizenship: Agency helps children understand their role in communities and equips them to advocate for themselves and others.
- Encourages inclusion: Recognising diverse ways of expressing agency—especially for children with disabilities—creates more equitable learning environments.
What Are Effective Strategies For Fostering Children's Agency
Practical Strategies to Foster Agency
- Co-construct learning: Invite children to help plan experiences. For example, “What would you like to explore in our garden this week?” This builds ownership and curiosity.
- Empower decision-making: Offer real choices—materials, roles in dramatic play, or how to solve a problem. The key is that their decisions have genuine impact.
- Use reflective prompts: Encourage children to think critically with questions like “What do you notice?” or “How could we do this differently?”
- Create flexible routines: Allow time for children to revisit interests, change direction, or lead transitions. This supports autonomy and deep engagement.
- Celebrate their voice: Include children’s words, drawings, and photos in documentation. Let them narrate their learning stories or choose what goes into their portfolios.
Educator Mindset Shifts
- Step back with intention: Ask yourself, “Do I need to decide this, or can the child?” This subtle shift can transform power dynamics.
- Trust competence: View children as capable contributors. Even toddlers can express preferences and lead routines with the right scaffolding.
- Model agency: Share your own decision-making process aloud—this supports metacognition and builds a culture of mutual respect.
These strategies are echoed in ACECQA’s guidance on supporting agency, which emphasizes genuine decision-making, responsive interactions, and intentional teaching.
What Are Some Practical Way To Promote Agency In Children
Promoting agency in children doesn’t require grand gestures—it’s often the small, intentional choices we make every day that empower them to take ownership of their learning and well-being.
In the Learning Environment
- Choice stations: Set up areas where children can choose between different materials or activities (e.g. sensory play, construction, art). Rotate options based on their interests.
- Visual planning boards: Use photos or symbols to let children co-plan their day—“What would you like to do after morning tea?”
- Flexible seating and spaces: Allow children to move cushions, mats, or tables to create their own learning zones.
In Interactions and Routines
- Use “I wonder…” language: Phrases like “I wonder what would happen if…” invite curiosity and shared exploration.
- Let them lead transitions: Assign roles like “music helper” or “line leader” to give children ownership of routines.
- Involve them in problem-solving: When conflicts arise, ask “What do you think we could do to fix this?” rather than jumping in with solutions.
In Documentation and Reflection
- Include children’s voices: Add their quotes, drawings, or photos to learning stories and summative assessments.
- Goal setting with visuals: Use simple charts or symbols to help children set and track personal goals (e.g. “I’m learning to take turns”).
- Create a “Feeling Toolbox” together: Let children choose calming strategies that work for them—this supports both agency and emotional regulation.
ACECQA’s Guidance On Supporting Agency
ACECQA’s guidance on supporting children’s agency emphasizes that children are capable, competent, and active participants in their own learning. It’s a key part of the National Quality Standard—especially Element 1.2.3, which states:
“Each child’s agency is promoted, enabling them to make choices and decisions that influence events and their world.”
Key Principles
- Genuine decision-making: Children should be involved in decisions that affect them—whether it’s choosing materials, planning experiences, or setting group expectations.
- Intentional teaching: Educators are encouraged to reflect on their role and ask, “Do I need to decide this, or can the child?”
- Responsive interactions: Asking open-ended questions like “What do you think?” or “How can we do this differently?” invites children to lead their learning.
Further Reading
Supporting Children's Sense Of Agency
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