An Exploration of Time –
How we change over time
An integrated approach to teaching in the early years not only meets the needs of young children to learn in personally meaningful and child centred ways but is the most effective method to address the Early Years Learning Framework, Australian Curriculum Disciplines, the Cross Curriculum Priorities and the General Capabilities of the Australian Curriculum. The project approach used in this learning sequence is based on the pedagogy of Emergent or Constructivist approaches to teaching and has been influenced by the schools of Reggio Emilia including theorists Gandini and Malaguzzi, Harvard’s Project Zero and the theories of George Foreman and Howard Gardner. Strategies from Katz, Helm and Chards Project Approach are used alongside Warden’s Floorbook Approach ™. The integrated approach supports the pedagogy of the Early Years Learning Framework. Projects can run over several weeks, a term or longer. For the purpose of this unit the initial 5 lesson sequence in History is provided. Additional areas of possible exploration are also provided. The initial 5 lesson sequence provides a starting point and you should by no means limit the project to the lesson sequence provided.
This lesson sequence emphasises the development of inquiry skills and builds children’s understandings of continuity and change, cause and effect, perspectives, empathy and significance. It aims to develop children’s knowledge of past, present and future in the context of their own personal history and that of their families. The unit explores the concept and language of time and then moves to using sources and artefacts to show their own personal history. Students will share personal artefacts and those shared from their families to explore concepts of time, history and change.
Lesson One - Exploring the Time Talking Tubs™ and Creating a 3-D Mind Map
Focus Question: Can students identify between the past, present and future?
Lesson Two - The language of time- developing an appropriate vocabulary for talking about time
Focus Question: Can students use relevant and accurate terms to show the passing of time?
Lesson Three - Past, Present and Future – who was I, who am I and who will I be?
Focus Question: Can students pose questions about the past, present and future?
Lesson Four - Proving I have grown – presenting an oral language history talk using personal artefacts
Focus Question: Can students use sources to support their narrative about the past?
Lesson Five - Personal Artefacts Museum – Sharing personal historical sources
Focus Question: Can students identify and compare features of objects from the past and present?
Lesson Six - When Frank Was Four – How I have grown and changed?
Focus Question: Can students present a narrative about their past using drawing and writing as a communication form?
Additional Programme Links:
Toys of the Past http://www.carnamah.com.au/education
Exploring my Family History https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/downloads/p_10/ac_sa_hist_prep_family_history.pdf
Personal and Family Histories http://syllabus.bostes.nsw.edu.au/assets/global/files/history_es1_sampleu1.pdf
Who are the Families of the World? http://www.globaleducation.edu.au/teaching-activity/who-are-the-families-of-the-world-f-2.html
This material may be used, reproduced and communicated free of charge for non-commercial educational purposes, provided all acknowledgements are retained.
This material is exempt from collection by copyright agencies.