Practical Activity Examples Linked To The MTOP Framework

The My Time, Our Place (MTOP) Framework is designed for school-age care, with five outcomes that guide planning and reflection. Embedding it means linking everyday activities to these outcomes in ways that are intentional, inclusive, and meaningful. Here’s a clear breakdown with activity examples mapped to each outcome.

Outcome 1: Children and young people have a strong sense of identity

1. Identity Shields – children design shields with symbols representing their strengths.
2. Culture Show-and-Tell – bring an item from home that reflects family heritage.
3. Personal Achievement Journals – record weekly “I am proud of…” reflections.
4. Peer Mentoring – older children support younger ones in activities.
5. Self-Portrait Gallery – using different art mediums across the year.
6. ‘My Superpower’ Circle Time – each child shares a unique skill.
7. Role Play of Community Helpers – exploring identity through jobs.
8. ‘Belonging Wall’ – photos of children engaged in OSHC activities.
9. Family Recipe Sharing – cook and celebrate cultural dishes.
10. ‘I Can’ Ladder – children add steps as they master new skills.

Outcome 2: Children and young people are connected with and contribute to their world

1. Community Garden – planting, watering, harvesting together.
2. Recycling Champions – children lead waste sorting.
3. Fundraising for Local Causes – bake sales or art auctions.
4. Neighbourhood Walks – mapping local landmarks.
5. Buddy Reading Program – reading with younger peers.
6. Animal Care Roster – feeding class pets or observing wildlife.
7. ‘Helping Hands’ Jobs Board – rotating responsibilities.
8. Community Art Mural – collaborative painting project.
9. Letters to Elders – writing to local aged care residents.
10. ‘Our Place’ Map – children create a visual map of their OSHC community.

Outcome 3: Children and young people have a strong sense of wellbeing

1. Mindfulness Sessions – guided breathing or meditation.
2. Yoga & Stretching – daily movement breaks.
3. Healthy Snack Prep – children make fruit kebabs or wraps.
4. Outdoor Obstacle Course – promoting resilience and fitness.
5. Feelings Thermometer – children check in emotionally.
6. ‘Calm Corner’ Setup – sensory tools, soft seating, emotion cards.
7. Dance & Movement Games – Just Dance or freestyle sessions.
8. Safety Role Play – practicing emergency drills.
9. Cooking for Wellbeing – exploring balanced meals.
10. Gratitude Journals – recording daily positives.

Outcome 4: Children and young people are confident and involved learners

1. STEM Challenges – build towers with spaghetti and marshmallows.
2. ‘Inventors’ Box’ – recycled materials for free creation.
3. Science Experiments – volcanoes, floating/sinking, magnet play.
4. Coding Club – simple block coding games.
5. Puzzle & Strategy Games – chess, tangrams, Rubik’s cubes.
6. Cooking Math – measuring ingredients, fractions in recipes.
7. Photography Project – documenting OSHC life.
8. ‘Ask a Question’ Wall – children post inquiry prompts.
9. Nature Explorers – bug hunts, leaf classification.
10. Drama & Improvisation Games – confidence through performance.

Outcome 5: Children and young people are effective communicators

1. Puppet Theatre – storytelling through puppets.
2. Comic Strip Creation – literacy through art.
3. Group Story Circles – collaborative storytelling.
4. Debate Club – simple topics like “cats vs dogs.”
5. Podcast Recording – children share weekly highlights.
6. Drama Role Play – acting out scenarios.
7. ‘Newsroom’ Bulletin – children report OSHC events.
8. Poetry Slam – expressive language through performance.
9. Sign Language Basics – learning simple Auslan signs.
10. Letter Writing Station – writing to friends, family, or pen pals.

Embedding Tips for MTOP 

• Use child voice: Document quotes, reflections, and choices to show authentic links to outcomes.

• Balance outcomes: Plan weekly programs so all five outcomes are represented.

• Make outcomes visible: Display outcome posters or child-friendly icons in activity areas.

• Reflective practice: Ask educators to note which outcome each activity supported during daily reflections.

• Child-led planning: Invite children to co-design activities, linking their ideas back to MTOP outcomes.

• Flexible documentation: Use photos, journals, and portfolios rather than rigid templates.

• Cultural responsiveness: Embed diverse traditions, languages, and celebrations into activities.

• Wellbeing focus: Ensure routines (snack, rest, transitions) are linked to wellbeing outcomes.

• Community connections: Partner with local groups, libraries, or sports clubs to extend Outcome 2.

• Scaffolded learning: Provide extension challenges so children can deepen engagement with Outcome 4.

Further Reading 

MTOP Learning Outcomes V2.0
How Educators Promote MTOP Outcomes 2.0
MTOP Main Outcomes Posters