Project On Current Interests Of Children

[Seren1]

hi everyone

For my cluster 3 placement i need to do a 6 day project, this is meant to include current interests of the children except the center i am at doesn't really take into account the interests of the children, everything is highly structured, educators plan out what the children will "do" without much input from the children.
They do a lot of arts and craft although the educators mainly do it for the children, the children aren't really independent.

I'm having trouble on what to do for my 6 day project when everything at the center is done by the educators for the children.

What can i do project wise? i know it should include art and allowing the children to be independent and decision make, I'm honestly stuck.

Please help me with ideas

[Lorina]

If the centre doesn't follow children's interests then they are not really implementing the EYLF. Intentional teaching is part of it but not all of it! I'm not sure how they are following NQF, since following interests is one of the main elements... Interesting...

Since you have to follow interests... Basically ask the children what they are interested in. Throughout the day pick up any conversations the children may have and go from there. For example: if one child sees a spider web and begins to talk about it, you can use this as an interest to begin exploring....

Hope this helps,

,
Lorina

[Seren1]

Thanks Lorina, the children's interests are followed to an extent.
Most of the time it's the educators who choose what to do and literally do it for the children.

I live fairly close to Sydney CBD and every workplace i have been to in the CBD is mainly the same, very structured, stenciled and rushed. not sure if it's just my luck!

[Lorina]

When you say "do it for the children" can you give me an example... It's just interesting to hear that this is still happening although I'm not that surprised! Not sure though how they manage to write up their documentation when you clearly need to show the children's interests and how you have extended upon it as well as reflect on the child's participation and learning through the experiences! You mentioned that you witness this in Sydney as well! My, My...

Just wanting to know more about what you have experienced...

,
Lorina