Walker Learning @ Lytton Street

Walker Learning in Te Tipu
29th June 2017
CENgate

Marie Morgan Lytton Street School

"Play Matters" Kathy Walker, Shona Bass

The importance of everyone sharing the same philosophy.
- what do you believe about play?  About children's development?  Once you have this, TRUST everyone on the floor.



Emotional, Social needs are looked at to see who moves to next class.

Walker Learning
- Each class is set up the same.
- Relationships are key.
- Central role of play

Kathy Walker - Founding Director of Early Life Foundations
Shona Bass - Managing Director of Early Life Foundations

Is a pedagogy that educates the whole child for the 21st Century.  Teachers integrate children's own interests and lives into the daily programme to make all learning authentic, meaningful.

Exploratory Play (0 - 5) - Investigative play (Years 0 to 3)- Project based Learning (Years 4 - 8) 

Explicit instruction of Literacy and Numeracy from Year 0

Based on Children's Current Interests - e.g. Doctors clinic/Opticions, Caring for babies, Mobilo construction etc...

In the morning, 3 focus people, a reporter and a photographer 

Relationships are highly valued.  Developed and deepened through key practices such as investigations and focus children.  Learning is personalised and uses the children's interests to explore their world

Daily Reporters Task - linked to learning intentions (e.g. literacy - first sounds).  Used in learning sessions later in day. e.g. Favourite colours, What makes you feel happy? (Picture plan)

20minutes - Tune in.  Last 20 min - Reflection

Daily Photographer's Task - e.g. finding teen Numbers around the school. Taking photos of teachers etc...

Play is seen as a learning tool
It is part of the learning process rather than an add on.
It is a natural way for children to learn.

8 Centres provide experiences for children to build on developmental skills and their numeracy and literacy in real, relevant and authentic ways.  


Each centre
1. Well defined and cosy
2. Welcoming and attractive
3. Attention to detail
4. Engaging
5. Open-ended so children can explore and take the experience in any direction.
6. Sustains the children's interests, encourage them to think, ask questions and extend their ideas.
7. Promotes how to think not what to think. 

Sensory area (Clay, Sand, Wheat, Playdough, Water)
Role Play Area
Block Area (an invitation to engage)
(Numeracy Tools and Literacy Tools)
Collage/Art Areas
Literacy Areas
Library
The Beach
Natural Materials (with maths gear)
Tinkering Area - taking machines apart, tools, magnets etc...
Dramatic Play Areas
Family Corner
Numeracy Area
Science and Nature


At the end of the time - use 'reset' rather than tidy-up time.

Daily Obs Sheet

No Learning Stories - use of Seesaw and photos


Every child has a Focus Sheet

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