EYLF Documentation Cheat Sheet for Educators

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) guides how we document, plan, and reflect on children’s learning in Australia. But with time pressures, ratio demands, and competing priorities, educators need tools that make framework integration achievable and empowering. This cheat sheet distills key EYLF elements into practical prompts and linking keywords—so teams can streamline observation cycles, make meaningful outcome connections, and stay child-focused every step of the way.

EYLF Learning Outcomes Snapshot

Outcome 1 - Identity

Focus Areas

Autonomy
Relationships
Emotional confidence

Emotional confidence

Linking Keywords

Recognise
Self-initiate
Decide
Express feelings
Lead
Negotiate
Take risks
Feel proud
Trust
Comfort
Explore self
Secure
Explore
Initiate
Persist
Express

Outcome 2 - Community

Focus Areas

Belonging
Fairness
Respect for diversity

Linking Keywords

Include
Welcome
Share responsibility
Acknowledge difference
Respect voice
Care for others
Cooperate
Build friendships
Celebrate culture
Participate
Advocate
Volunteer
Share
Include
Celebrate
Contribute
Collaborate

Outcome 3 - Wellbeing

Focus Areas

Physical health
Emotional regulation
Resilience

Linking Keywords

Balance
Stretch
Hydrate
Rest
Self-soothe
Recognise needs
Wait patiently
Show determination
Regain composure
Nourish
Move freely
Demonstrate safety
Balance
Rest
Move
Calm
Nourish
Respond

Outcome 4 - Learning

Focus Areas

Curiosity
Problem-solving
Creativity

Linking Keywords

Ask questions
Plan
Compare
Experiment
Imagine
Build
Tinker
Focus
Hypothesise
Invent
Adjust
Explore outcomes
Investigate
Wonder
Adapt
Create

Outcome 5—Communication

Focus Areas

Language
Symbols
literacy

Linking Keywords

Describe
Recount
Name
Listen actively
Use gestures
Read cues
Draw meaning
Write
Perform
Sign
Retell
Make connections
Talk
Draw
Connect
Interpret

Documentation Prompts by Cycle Stage

Observation

What was the child doing?
What materials or environment did they engage with?
What stood out (language, emotion, interaction)?

“Evie used a stick to trace shapes in the mud and said, ‘It’s a treasure map!’”

Analysis

What skills or dispositions were evident?
Which EYLF outcome(s) relate to this moment?
Does this build on prior interests or strengths?

“Evie showed creativity, spatial awareness, and symbolic thinking. Links to Outcomes 4.1 and 5.5.”

Follow-Up Planning

How can we extend this experience?
What materials or spaces will encourage deeper learning?
Are we connecting to family/culture/community?

“Introduce clay sculpting and map-making during outdoor play. Invite family stories about local adventures.”

Reflection

What did the child respond to?
Did anything challenge or surprise you?
What might be next?

“Evie asked for more ‘secret tools’ and guided a peer through her ‘map.’ Next week: shared map creation.”

Quick-Link Tips

Use numbers (e.g., 1.1, 3.2) or icons for EYLF outcomes.
Pair observations with child quotes or photos to enrich the story.
Keep each cycle visible—not filed away—so planning stays active.

Tips for Practice

Use EYLF outcome numbers or icons (e.g., 2.3, ?) to speed up linking.
Trial simplified formats (like one-page cycles or spotlight rotations) to reduce stress.
Include child quotes and family input when possible.
Keep documentation visible so follow-ups stay intentional.

Let’s make documentation meaningful, manageable, and child-led—every cycle, every story, every step.