EYLF Learning Outcomes: Activities & Resources for Educators.

The earliest years of life are filled with discovery. Children start to make sense of who they are and the world around them through the moments they experience every day.

Creating an environment where children feel ready to learn through play requires careful thought. From the layout of a room to the resources placed within reach, each decision can create new opportunities for growth and development.

What Is the Early Years Learning Framework?

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is Australia’s national approved learning framework for children from birth to age five. Regulated by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) It guides educators as they plan and deliver engaging and meaningful early learning programs.

At the heart of the framework are five learning outcomes, designed to support children’s development across all areas of learning. Each child will progress towards these outcomes in different ways, with many everyday experiences supporting more than one outcome at a time.

Outcome 1 – Children Have A Strong Sense Of Identity.

Children know who they are, feel safe to be themselves, and are building confidence in their place in the world. Educators can support this with activities that support self-expression, emotions, and developing a sense of belonging.

Resources & Activities.

Mirror Play: Seeing themselves reflected in a kids’ mirror help children build a sense of self. Have them practice making happy, sad, surprised, or frustrated faces to help identify and express emotions.

Paint Self-Portraits: Get out the kids’ easels and whip up some self-portraits! Encourage children to add their name, then include little details about their family or their favourite things. It’s a simple way to celebrate individuality and build a stronger sense of self.

Cosy Corners: Children need to know that they are safe, secure and have a place to belong. Setting up a cosy reading nook or a quiet sensory area with children’s armchairs and cushions, gives them an autonomous, safe space to retreat when they need to self-regulate.

Outcome 2 – Children Contribute To Their World.

Children learn about their community, and how their actions impact others. Educators can support this by incorporating activities that develop empathy, kindness and respect for the environment.

Resources & Activities.

Home Corner Play: Home corners give children a familiar space to explore family and community through play. As children cook in play kitchens, care for dolls and recreate everyday routines with the friends around them, they can learn how to contribute to their community.

Cultural Learning: Play food, traditional clothing, photos and music can help children learn about different cultures and ways of life. Authentic First Nations cultural resources are also a great way to explore the stories, languages and ways that Traditional Owners care for Country.

Caring For Nature: Children can plant seeds, water plants, collect leaves, observe insects or collect “ingredients” for a mud kitchen. This gives them a tangible way to understand how their actions affect the environment and that they can help care for it.

Outcome 3 – Children Have A Strong Sense Of Wellbeing.

Children learn to understand their emotions, care for their bodies and build confidence in what they can do. Educators can support wellbeing through movement, healthy routines, and emotional regulation.

Resources & Activities.

Get Moving: Movement helps children build strength, coordination and confidence in what their bodies can do. Set up a simple obstacle course with climbing, balancing, and gross motor equipment using pieces like a Pikler Triangle to encourage children to move in different ways.

Fine Motor Play: Small hand movements help children build the coordination and control needed for everyday tasks. Activities like threading, puzzles, and stacking and sorting toys give children plenty of opportunities to strengthen their fingers, hands and wrists through play.

Create Calm Moments: Learning when to slow down is an important part of emotional regulation. Introduce breathing, stretching or quiet sensory activities, and create a calm corner with sensory tents or floor mats where children can retreat when the need space.

Outcome 4 – Children Are Confident & Involved Learners

Children build confidence as they experiment through play and solve problems. Educators can encourage hands-on learning experiences that give children the freedom to investigate ideas, make discoveries and keep trying when things don’t go to plan.

Resources & Activities.

Building Blocks: Construction and building blocks give children the freedom to experiment, solve problems and see their ideas come to life. Open-ended blocks can be stacked, balanced and built in a number of different ways, allowing children test their ideas and discover new possibilities.

Investigate With Light: Light tables invite children to look closely and discover details they might otherwise miss. Set up the table with translucent resources and loose parts, allowing children to inspect real patterns, colours and textures up close.

STEM Discoveries: Simple STEM toys encourage children to ask questions and test ideas. Experiment with ramps, magnets, water, puzzles or cause-and-effect resources and let children predict what might happen next.

Outcome 5 – Children Are Effective Communicators

Children learn to express their ideas, connect with others and make sense of the world through language, art, storytelling and play. Educators can create opportunities for early literacy, numeracy and creative expression throughout the day.

Resources & Activities.

Tell A Story: Storytelling gives children a way to express ideas and share their imagination with others. People toys, finger puppets and story props help create a small world for children to invent their own narratives.

Play With Letters & Numbers: Literacy alphabet toys and numeracy counting toys can be woven naturally into everyday play. Introduce matching games, counting resources, letters and numbers to help children become familiar with reading, writing and counting.

Create A Reading Corner: An inviting reading space can help children build independence and excitement around books. Set up a cosy nook with kids’ bookshelves, armchairs, cushions and a soft kid’s rug so children can choose their own stories and settle in for a read.