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Characteristics of effective learning

The ways in which the child engages with other people and their environment - playing, exploring, active learning, creating and thinking critically - underpins all areas of their learning and development.  

Playing and exploring - engagement

  • Finding out and exploring
  • Playing with what they know
  • Being willing to 'have a go'.

Active learning - motivation

  • Being involved and concentrating
  • Keep trying
  • Enjoying achieving what they set out to do.

Creating and thinking critically - thinking

  • Having their own ideas
  • Making links
  • Choosing ways to do things

This article by the Foundation Stage Forum explores these aspects in a bit more detail.

Development Matters shows how these themes, and the principles that inform them, work together for children in the EYFS.