PLAY-BASED LEARNING
The Walker Learning Approach is a personalised, investigative play-based approach to learning. It is based on research and curriculum trials implemented by Kathy Walker and her team. The approach uses developmentally appropriate ways of helping to engage children in truly meaningful and relevant strategies that enhance not only literacy and numeracy but motivation and self-esteem. Find out more here.
The Walker Learning Approach focuses on student engagement in ‘Investigation’ experiences set up in and outside the classroom, which are largely based on students’ interests. Students explore the materials and stimuli in the various ‘Investigation’ centres under the direction and guidance of the teacher. The teacher reminds the students of the focus for Literacy, Numeracy and Bounce Back at the beginning of each session, and refers to these throughout the day. The teacher also focuses on three specific students during each session, recording their learning responses for that day. These three focus students share their learning with the class at the end of each session.
‘Investigation’ learning centres include a reading corner, a writer’s workshop, a numeracy centre, collage, construction, sensory area and dramatic play areas such as a ‘dinosaur’ table or an outdoor ‘beach’ area, for example. These ‘Investigation’ learning centres are changed and updated regularly to maintain student engagement. During ‘Investigation’ time students are constantly engaged in oral language activities, practise reading and writing skills, work cooperatively with each other and independently to problem solve and create new products.
Teachers prepare a set of ‘Learning Intentions’ in key learning areas which are displayed for parents and carers to view. Teachers also document students’ responses and reactions on daily/weekly record sheets.
Professional Learning in this approach is provided by Early Learning Foundation in the form of Study Tours (including visits to schools implementing the approach), information sessions for other teachers and parents and guidance provided by a Mentor experienced in the approach.
The Walker Learning Approach was introduced to Prep classes in 2011 and was then phased in to Year 1/2 classes the following year.
St Clare's is very proud to have 3 Walker accredited teachers. Because of this, the Early Learning Foundation often use St Clare's as a stop on their study tours.
The Walker Learning Approach focuses on student engagement in ‘Investigation’ experiences set up in and outside the classroom, which are largely based on students’ interests. Students explore the materials and stimuli in the various ‘Investigation’ centres under the direction and guidance of the teacher. The teacher reminds the students of the focus for Literacy, Numeracy and Bounce Back at the beginning of each session, and refers to these throughout the day. The teacher also focuses on three specific students during each session, recording their learning responses for that day. These three focus students share their learning with the class at the end of each session.
‘Investigation’ learning centres include a reading corner, a writer’s workshop, a numeracy centre, collage, construction, sensory area and dramatic play areas such as a ‘dinosaur’ table or an outdoor ‘beach’ area, for example. These ‘Investigation’ learning centres are changed and updated regularly to maintain student engagement. During ‘Investigation’ time students are constantly engaged in oral language activities, practise reading and writing skills, work cooperatively with each other and independently to problem solve and create new products.
Teachers prepare a set of ‘Learning Intentions’ in key learning areas which are displayed for parents and carers to view. Teachers also document students’ responses and reactions on daily/weekly record sheets.
Professional Learning in this approach is provided by Early Learning Foundation in the form of Study Tours (including visits to schools implementing the approach), information sessions for other teachers and parents and guidance provided by a Mentor experienced in the approach.
The Walker Learning Approach was introduced to Prep classes in 2011 and was then phased in to Year 1/2 classes the following year.
St Clare's is very proud to have 3 Walker accredited teachers. Because of this, the Early Learning Foundation often use St Clare's as a stop on their study tours.
