What Is Active Learning in ECD?
Active learning means children learn best by doing—exploring, discovering, playing, interacting, and
reflecting. The ECD practitioner mediates this process by guiding, scaffolding, and facilitating
experiences rather than directly instructing.
Part 1: Planning for Active Learning in ECD
1. Know the Child’s Developmental Stage
Use developmental milestones (physical, emotional, cognitive, social, language) to guide your planning.
Plan according to children’s interests, needs, and context.
2. Set Clear Learning Goals
Goals should be age-appropriate and aligned with curriculum or framework (e.g. NCF – National
Curriculum Framework for ECD).
Example: “Children will develop fine motor skills through play with clay.”
3. Plan for Holistic Development
Ensure that daily/weekly planning includes:
Area of Development Examples of Active Learning Activities
PhysicalObstacle course, ball play, dancing
Emotional Story time about feelings, role play
Social Group building, cooperative games
Cognitive Puzzle solving, matching games
Language Storytelling, singing, conversations
4. Design Interactive and Open-Ended Activities
Provide opportunities for choice, problem-solving, and hands-on exploration.
Example: Provide blocks for free building, rather than giving one way to build.
5. Prepare an Enabling Environment
Materials and spaces should be inviting, accessible, and safe
Use learning corners (math, reading, fantasy, nature, etc.) to encourage self-directed exploration.
Sample Daily Activity Plan (3–4-Year-Olds)
Time Activity Area of Learning Mediation Strategy
08:30 Morning Circle (hello song, weather talk) Language, Social Ask questions, model vocabulary
09:00 Building blocks Cognitive, Physical Encourage planning and describing structures
10:00 Story Time (Interactive)Language, Emotional Use props, ask prediction questions
11:00 Outdoor Play Physical, Social Observe and guide group interactions
12:00 Art (Finger painting) Fine Motor, Emotional Offer choice of colors, talk about their work
Part 2: Delivering Active Learning Experiences
1. Be a Facilitator, Not a Lecturer
Ask open-ended questions: “What do you think will happen if…?”
Encourage curiosity and reflection: “Why did you choose that block?”
2. Use Scaffolding
Provide just enough help to support learning, then gradually remove it.
Example: If a child can’t zip their jacket, start it for them, then let them finish.
3. Encourage Peer Learning
Pair children together for tasks.
Encourage turn-taking, cooperation, and peer feedback.
4. Observe and Assess Informally
Watch how children interact with materials and peers.
Take anecdotal notes or use a checklist to track development.
5. Reflect and Adapt
Adjust your methods based on children’s responses.
If an activity doesn’t engage them, modify it or follow their interests.
Example of Mediated Active Learning in Action
Activity: “Sink or Float” Water Play
Learning Areas: Science, Language, Cognitive, Social
How to Mediate:
Ask: “What do you think will happen with this stone?”
Encourage predictions and observations.
Let children test different objects freely.
Introduce vocabulary: “heavy,” “light,” “float,” “sink.”
Facilitate sharing of ideas among peers.
Summary: Key Mediation Techniques in Planning & Delivery
Create rich, meaningful contexts for learning (stories, role play, nature walks).
Use real-life materials and sensory experiences.
Engage children’s thinking through conversation and questioning.
Observe, support, and extend children’s ideas during play.
Reflect with children to deepen learning (“What did you enjoy?” “What surprised you?”)
