Is it time to reflect on your Cycle of Planning?

Connecting planning with practice

This historical Mana and Australian Childcare Alliance webinar explored the teaching practice behind documentation. The presenters encouraged educators and leaders to consider how the planning cycle supports children’s learning, and how documentation can provide evidence of that work.

Presenters included Nesha Hutchinson, then vice president of the Australian Childcare Alliance, and Mana’s professional practice lead Sithmi Rajapaksa.

Five stages discussed

• Observe: Look and listen for what children are doing and thinking. Include children’s voices and insights shared by families; simple jottings can capture these observations.
• Assess: Make meaning from observations to understand each child’s interests, needs and development, and identify opportunities for further learning.
• Plan: Make intentional choices about the learning to support. Consider inclusive experiences, different children’s needs and the impact of teaching decisions.
• Implement: Put plans into action with suitable resources and teaching strategies. Notice progress and adapt alongside the child.
• Evaluate: Reflect on what happened and the difference it made. Discuss progress with colleagues and families, then use that reflection to inform the next cycle.

Reflection for educators and leaders

The discussion also addressed purposeful documentation in paper-based services and recognising each child’s particular learning within a group experience.

This archive preserves selected themes from the historical recording. A public replay is not available on this page.