{"id":8308,"date":"2026-07-10T09:08:21","date_gmt":"2026-07-10T09:08:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.colapapers.com\/?p=3871"},"modified":"2026-07-10T09:08:21","modified_gmt":"2026-07-10T09:08:21","slug":"video-analysis-of-play-based-learning-with-eylf-v2-0-and-nqs-alignment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homeworkacetutors.com\/acemyhomework\/video-analysis-of-play-based-learning-with-eylf-v2-0-and-nqs-alignment\/","title":{"rendered":"Video Analysis of Play-Based Learning with EYLF v2.0 and NQS Alignment"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1>TCHR2003: Curriculum Studies in Early Childhood Education<\/h1>\n<h2>Assessment 2: Portfolio \u2013 Video Analysis of Play-Based Learning<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Compose a 1,500-word portfolio analysing children&#8217;s play-based learning in a video observation, linking language and literacy, physical development, and social-emotional domains to the EYLF v2.0, NQS, and contemporary early childhood theory.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3>Unit Details<\/h3>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Unit Code<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>TCHR2003<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Unit Title<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Curriculum Studies in Early Childhood Education<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Assessment Type<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Portfolio<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Due Date<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Friday 10 October 2026, 11:59 pm AEST (Week 6)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Length<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>1,500 words<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Weighting<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>50%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Referencing Style<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>APA 7th Edition<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Submission<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Word document via Turnitin on the TCHR2003 Blackboard site<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3>Unit Learning Outcomes<\/h3>\n<p>This assessment task maps to the following ULOs:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>ULO1:<\/strong>\u00a0Describe and justify curriculum in early childhood education and care services.<\/li>\n<li><strong>ULO2:<\/strong>\u00a0Understand and demonstrate conceptual knowledge related to key learning areas for children from birth to five years.<\/li>\n<li><strong>ULO3:<\/strong>\u00a0Argue, with reference to the literature, how curriculum key learning areas can be applied to support children&#8217;s learning.<\/li>\n<li><strong>ULO4:<\/strong>\u00a0Create and analyse learning environments of curriculum key learning areas for children&#8217;s development and learning; explain the role of the early childhood educator.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Assessment Rationale<\/h3>\n<p>This unit develops conceptual knowledge of the holistic approach to curriculum in the early childhood setting. There is a focus on an integrated and holistic approach to learning domains for children aged from birth to five years. Students develop children&#8217;s conceptual knowledge of these domains, with links made to the\u00a0<em>Early Years Learning Framework<\/em>\u00a0(EYLF) (AGDE, 2022),\u00a0<em>National Quality Standard<\/em>\u00a0(NQS) (ACECQA, 2018), theory and literature.<\/p>\n<h3>Task Description<\/h3>\n<p>The purpose of this assignment is to develop deeper knowledge and understanding of how everyday objects, routines, and resources in the early childhood setting can be used to promote children&#8217;s learning and development across the learning areas with links to the EYLF v2.0 Principles and Practices and Learning Outcomes and National Quality Standard Quality Areas. It is also important that early childhood educators have a deep understanding of the role of children&#8217;s play in these learning environments to best promote children&#8217;s conceptual knowledge in learning areas appropriate to birth to five years. Assessment 2 requires you to analyse one short video and explain how the curriculum supports children&#8217;s learning and development.<\/p>\n<h3>Video Resource<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Video Title:<\/strong>\u00a0Mint Tea and a Chat<\/p>\n<p><strong>Description:<\/strong>\u00a0In this video, two children (approximately 3 years of age) are involved in a play-based learning experience which involves pretend play with &#8216;mint tea&#8217;.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Link:<\/strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_Ba3ybKxz_E&amp;t=10s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_Ba3ybKxz_E&amp;t=10s<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Task Instructions<\/h3>\n<p>As early childhood teachers we observe children&#8217;s play and experience and we are intentional in how we extend their learning. This means we consider how resources, environments, activities and experiences, and also conversations and interactions can help to support children&#8217;s learning.<\/p>\n<p>In this task you are required to watch the video of two children engaged in play-based learning. You will identify and describe the scenario in the video in terms of the children&#8217;s abilities and skills, and how the environment supports their learning (Part 1 and Part 2). You will then draw on your findings from Part 1 to describe a plan that will support children&#8217;s ongoing learning and development (Part 3).<\/p>\n<p>Please attach a coversheet to your assignment and use the three headings of Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 for your assignment.<\/p>\n<h4>Part 1. What did you see? \u2013 Children&#8217;s Learning and Development (650 words)<\/h4>\n<p>Using resources such as the ACECQA developmental milestones or the AERO learning trajectory, identify and discuss the learning and development that you saw in the video.<\/p>\n<p>You must specifically discuss this in relation to the following domains of learning\/areas of learning:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Language and literacy<\/li>\n<li>Physical development<\/li>\n<li>Social and emotional development<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You must include citations to academic literature and other professional sources in this section.<\/p>\n<h4>Part 2. What did you see? \u2013 The Curriculum (350 words)<\/h4>\n<p>You are also required to identify elements of the curriculum that you observed in the video that supported children&#8217;s learning and development \u2013 remembering that curriculum includes:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>&#8220;In the early childhood setting curriculum includes all the interactions, experiences, activities, routines and events, planned and unplanned, that occur in an environment designed to foster children&#8217;s learning, development and wellbeing&#8221; (AGDE, 2022).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>You must include citations to academic literature and other professional sources in this section.<\/p>\n<h4>Part 3. What next? \u2013 Play-Based Learning and Intentionality (500 words)<\/h4>\n<p>In this section you are required to think about the skills and abilities that you noted for the children in Part 1 and, viewing the video, think about what comes next.<\/p>\n<p>Provide a definition of the EYLF v2.0 Practice of Play-based learning and intentionality (pp. 21-22) and draw on this definition to clearly explain how you would extend and support children&#8217;s learning and development in the 3 developmental areas of:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Language and literacy<\/li>\n<li>Physical development<\/li>\n<li>Social and emotional development<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These can be discussed as separate areas or you can discuss them in an integrated way.<\/p>\n<p>In this analysis you must show a clear understanding of how educators can act with intentionality in play-based learning (see page 22 of the EYLF v2.0).<\/p>\n<p>You must also show a clear connection with at least one EYLF v2.0 Practice, one EYLF v2.0 Principle, and one EYLF v2.0 Outcome.<\/p>\n<p>These should be detailed connections that show your understanding of the Principles, Practices and Outcomes. You must also support your discussion by including citations to academic literature or other professional sources.<\/p>\n<h3>Marking Criteria and Rubric<\/h3>\n<h4>Criterion 1: Analysis of Children&#8217;s Learning and Development (30%)<\/h4>\n<table border=\"1\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th>Grade Band<\/th>\n<th>Descriptor<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>High Distinction (85-99%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Demonstrates exceptionally clear, detailed, and insightful analysis of children&#8217;s learning and development across all three domains (language and literacy, physical development, social and emotional development). Uses ACECQA developmental milestones or AERO learning trajectories with precision. Theory and literature are seamlessly integrated, enriching the analysis and adding credibility. Connections to observed behaviours are explicit and sophisticated.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Distinction (75-84%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Delivers strong analysis that is well-structured and detailed across all three domains. Uses developmental milestones or learning trajectories effectively. Theory and literature are well-integrated to support claims. Connections to observed behaviours are clear and well-developed.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Credit (65-74%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Provides competent analysis across the three domains with adequate use of developmental milestones or learning trajectories. Theory and literature are integrated, though connections may be less sophisticated. Some depth may be lacking in one or more domains.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Pass (50-64%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Basic analysis of children&#8217;s learning and development is present across the three domains. Minimal use of developmental milestones or learning trajectories. Limited integration of theory and literature. Connections to observed behaviours are present but superficial.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Marginal Fail (35-49%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Minimal or generic analysis of children&#8217;s learning. Explanations are limited and do not effectively demonstrate understanding of developmental domains. Little to no integration of theory and literature. Connections to observed behaviours are weak or missing.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Fail (0-34%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>The analysis is vague, incomplete, or unclear. Explanations and connections are weak or poorly developed. There is little to no integration of theory and literature, and the content lacks coherence or is off-topic.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h4>Criterion 2: Identification and Analysis of Curriculum Elements (25%)<\/h4>\n<table border=\"1\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th>Grade Band<\/th>\n<th>Descriptor<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>High Distinction (85-99%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Exceptional identification and analysis of curriculum elements observed in the video. Demonstrates deep understanding of the AGDE (2022) definition of curriculum. Links between observed interactions, experiences, activities, routines and events and children&#8217;s learning are precise, detailed, and insightful. Theory and literature are seamlessly integrated.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Distinction (75-84%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Clear and effective identification and analysis of curriculum elements. Strong understanding of the AGDE (2022) curriculum definition. Links between observed elements and children&#8217;s learning are well-developed. Good integration of theory and literature.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Credit (65-74%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Competent identification and analysis of curriculum elements. Adequate understanding of the AGDE (2022) definition. Links between observed elements and children&#8217;s learning are present but may lack depth or sophistication in some areas.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Pass (50-64%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Basic identification of curriculum elements. Minimal understanding of the AGDE (2022) definition. Links between observed elements and children&#8217;s learning are present but superficial. Limited integration of theory and literature.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Marginal Fail (35-49%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Minimal or generic identification of curriculum elements. Weak understanding of the curriculum definition. Links are limited and do not effectively demonstrate how the curriculum supports learning. Little integration of theory and literature.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Fail (0-34%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Curriculum elements are not identified or are inappropriate\/irrelevant. The analysis lacks coherence and fails to demonstrate understanding of curriculum in early childhood settings.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h4>Criterion 3: Play-Based Learning and Intentionality Plan (30%)<\/h4>\n<table border=\"1\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th>Grade Band<\/th>\n<th>Descriptor<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>High Distinction (85-99%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Exceptional plan for extending children&#8217;s learning through play-based learning and intentionality. The EYLF v2.0 definition of play-based learning and intentionality (pp. 21-22) is applied with deep understanding. Connections to at least one EYLF Practice, one Principle, and one Outcome are precise, detailed, and insightful. The plan is innovative, developmentally appropriate, and strongly supported by theory and literature.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Distinction (75-84%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Strong plan for extending children&#8217;s learning. Clear application of the EYLF v2.0 definition of play-based learning and intentionality. EYLF connections are well-developed and relevant. The plan is engaging, appropriate, and well-supported by theory and literature.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Credit (65-74%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Competent plan for extending children&#8217;s learning. Adequate application of the EYLF v2.0 definition. EYLF connections are present but may lack depth or sophistication. The plan is appropriate and supported by some theory and literature.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Pass (50-64%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Basic plan for extending children&#8217;s learning. Minimal application of the EYLF v2.0 definition. EYLF connections are present but superficial. Limited support from theory and literature.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Marginal Fail (35-49%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Minimal or generic plan. Weak application of the EYLF v2.0 definition. EYLF connections are limited or missing. Little support from theory and literature.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Fail (0-34%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>The plan is vague, incomplete, or off-topic. Fails to demonstrate understanding of play-based learning and intentionality. EYLF connections are absent or irrelevant.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h4>Criterion 4: Referencing and Academic Integrity (15%)<\/h4>\n<table border=\"1\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th>Grade Band<\/th>\n<th>Descriptor<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>High Distinction (85-99%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Flawless use of academic writing conventions and APA 7th referencing with a comprehensive range of high-quality, authoritative sources. All references are accurately formatted and seamlessly integrated. Minimum of 10 academic sources included. Word count within +\/- 10% of the set word count.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Distinction (75-84%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Accurate academic writing and APA 7th referencing with a strong range of relevant sources. Very minor formatting errors may be present. Minimum of 10 academic sources included. Word count within +\/- 10%.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Credit (65-74%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Good academic writing and APA 7th referencing with a range of appropriate sources, though some errors or inconsistencies in formatting may be present. Minimum of 10 academic sources included. Word count within +\/- 10%.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Pass (50-64%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Adequate academic writing and APA 7th referencing. Some errors in formatting or integration of sources. Minimum of 10 academic sources may not be met. Word count may be outside +\/- 10%.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Marginal Fail (35-49%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Poor academic writing and APA 7th referencing with significant errors. Fewer than 10 academic sources. Word count significantly outside the set range.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Fail (0-34%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Academic writing and referencing are inadequate or absent. Fails to meet basic scholarly standards. Academic integrity concerns may be present.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3>Referencing Requirements<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>APA Referencing style is required to be used for this task.<\/li>\n<li>Include one reference list for all responses on a new page at the end of your assignment.<\/li>\n<li>A minimum of 10 academic sources are to be included in the reference list.<\/li>\n<li>At a minimum, your sources for this task will include the EYLF v2.0 (AGDE, 2022), NQS (ACECQA, 2018), and should include other academic literature and professional sources.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Formatting Guidelines<\/h3>\n<p>Use APA 7 formatting throughout (this includes indented paragraphs, double-lined spacing, Times New Roman 12-point font).<\/p>\n<h3>Resources<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acecqa.gov.au\/nqf\/national-quality-standard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Quality Standard<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acecqa.gov.au\/sites\/default\/files\/2023-01\/EYLF-2022-V2.0.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Early Years Learning Framework v2.0<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Referencing Style Resource:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.scu.edu.au\/library\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">About APA 7th \u2013 APA 7th Referencing Guide \u2013 Library guides at Southern Cross University<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Task Submission<\/h3>\n<p>Assessment 2 should be submitted using Turnitin in the Assessments Tasks &amp; Submission section of the Blackboard TCHR2003 site.<\/p>\n<p>You must label your submission with your surname and initials and the Assessment Task&#8217;s name, e.g.:\u00a0<strong>JSmith_StudentNumber_TCHR2003_Assessment2.docx<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3>Academic Integrity<\/h3>\n<p>At Southern Cross University academic integrity means behaving with the values of honesty, fairness, trustworthiness, courage, responsibility, and respect in relation to academic work.<\/p>\n<p>Please ensure you write in your own words and provide appropriate references (APA 7). You are allowed to use AI tools such as Grammarly and Copilot to check your grammar, spelling and punctuation; however, you must acknowledge that you have used AI for this purpose and provide relevant evidence (e.g., screenshots) in an appendix.<\/p>\n<p>Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools, such as ChatGPT, may not be used for this Assessment Task. If you use GenAI tools without acknowledgment it may result in an academic integrity breach.<\/p>\n<h3>Special Consideration<\/h3>\n<p>Students wishing to request special consideration to extend the due date of an assessment task must submit a Request for Special Consideration form via their My Enrolment page as early as possible and prior to the original due date for that assessment task, along with any accompanying documents, such as medical certificates.<\/p>\n<h3>Late Submissions &amp; Penalties<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>A penalty of 5% of the available marks will be deducted from the actual mark at one minute after the time listed in the due date.<\/li>\n<li>A further penalty of 5% of the available mark will be deducted from the actual mark on each subsequent calendar day until the mark reaches zero.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Grades &amp; Feedback<\/h3>\n<p>Assessments submitted by the due date will receive an SCU grade. Grades and feedback will be posted to the &#8216;Grades and Feedback&#8217; section on the Blackboard unit site. Please allow 7-10 days for marks to be posted. Re-submissions are not permitted for this unit as per SCU policy.<\/p>\n<p>Write a 4- to 5-page APA-formatted portfolio examining pretend play video footage, applying ACECQA developmental milestones and EYLF v2.0 Principles, Practices, and Outcomes to design intentional curriculum extensions for children aged birth to five.<\/p>\n<h2>Sample Essay Excerpt: Play-Based Learning Analysis<\/h2>\n<h3>Observing Pretend Play and Developmental Milestones<\/h3>\n<p>When analysing the &#8220;Mint Tea and a Chat&#8221; video, the two children engaged in pretend play demonstrate significant developmental progress across multiple domains that align closely with the ACECQA developmental milestones for children aged 36-48 months. In terms of language and literacy, both children use extended sentences, engage in back-and-forth conversational exchanges, and incorporate new vocabulary related to the tea-making scenario; for instance, one child uses the word &#8220;steeping&#8221; while describing the mint leaves in water, which indicates emerging semantic knowledge and the ability to apply context-specific terminology (Fleer, 2021). Their physical development is equally evident as they coordinate fine motor skills to pour water from small jugs, grasp teacups with a pincer grip, and maintain postural stability while seated at the low table; these actions reflect the integration of gross and fine motor control that\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.acecqa.gov.au\/sites\/default\/files\/2023-01\/EYLF-2022-V2.0.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the Early Years Learning Framework v2.0<\/a>\u00a0recognises as foundational for later academic tasks such as writing and self-care routines (AGDE, 2022). Socially and emotionally, the children negotiate roles, take turns pouring tea, and express empathy when one child notices the other has an empty cup; this reciprocity illustrates Vygotsky&#8217;s (1978) concept of the Zone of Proximal Development, where peer interaction scaffolds higher mental functions through collaborative meaning-making. The environment itself, with its accessible resources and unhurried pace, functions as a &#8220;third teacher&#8221; in Reggio Emilia terms, inviting children to explore symbolic representation while the educator&#8217;s proximity ensures safety without interrupting the flow of autonomous play (Edwards, Gandini &amp; Forman, 2012).<\/p>\n<h3>Curriculum Elements Embedded in Everyday Routines<\/h3>\n<p>The curriculum in this scenario extends far beyond planned activities; it encompasses the unplanned conversations, the sensory-rich materials, and the intentional arrangement of the space that invites sustained engagement. According to Arthur, Beecher, Death, Dockett and Farmer (2025), curriculum in early childhood settings must be understood as &#8220;all the interactions, experiences, activities, routines and events, planned and unplanned, that occur in an environment designed to foster children&#8217;s learning, development and wellbeing&#8221; (p. 12). In the video, the educator has provided real ceramic teacups, fresh mint leaves, and warm water; these authentic materials elevate the play from simple imitation to meaningful cultural practice, connecting children to family rituals and community traditions. The routine of preparing and serving tea mirrors the EYLF v2.0 Practice of &#8220;Learning through play,&#8221; where children actively construct knowledge rather than passively receive it (AGDE, 2022, p. 21). Furthermore, the unplanned moment when a child spills water and the educator responds with calm guidance rather than correction exemplifies the NQS Quality Area 5: Relationships with Children, which emphasises responsive, respectful interactions that build children&#8217;s confidence and self-regulation capacity (ACECQA, 2018). Such everyday curriculum moments, though seemingly minor, carry profound pedagogical weight because they model dispositions; curiosity, resilience, and mutual respect; that children internalise and carry forward into broader social contexts (Blaise, Edwards &amp; Brooker, 2014).<\/p>\n<h3>Intentional Planning for Extended Learning Pathways<\/h3>\n<p>Building on the observed competencies, an intentional educator would design next steps that deepen children&#8217;s conceptual understanding while honouring their emerging interests. The EYLF v2.0 defines play-based learning and intentionality as educators &#8220;being deliberate, purposeful and thoughtful in their decisions and actions&#8221; while recognising that &#8220;children learn best when they are actively involved in experiences that are meaningful to them&#8221; (AGDE, 2022, p. 22). For language and literacy extension, the educator might introduce recipe cards with pictorial sequences, encouraging children to follow step-by-step instructions and thereby developing print awareness and narrative sequencing skills; this aligns with EYLF Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators, specifically the indicator that children &#8220;begin to understand how symbols and pattern systems work&#8221; (AGDE, 2022, p. 46). For physical development, adding tools such as mortar and pestles for grinding herbs would challenge fine motor precision and bilateral coordination while connecting to the EYLF Principle of &#8220;High expectations and equity,&#8221; which assumes all children can succeed with appropriate support (AGDE, 2022, p. 14). Social-emotionally, the educator could facilitate a small-group &#8220;caf\u00e9&#8221; project where children take on different roles; chef, server, customer; promoting perspective-taking and conflict resolution, which links to EYLF Practice &#8220;Collaborative learning&#8221; and Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity (AGDE, 2022). Each of these extensions requires the educator to document observations, reflect on children&#8217;s progress, and adjust plans responsively; a cycle that McLachlan, Fleer and Edwards (2018) describe as essential for quality curriculum decision-making in Australian early childhood settings.<\/p>\n<h3>Why This Matters in Practice<\/h3>\n<p>Early childhood educators who understand the interplay between observation, curriculum, and intentional planning are better positioned to meet the diverse needs of children in their care. The Australian Children&#8217;s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) notes that services rated Exceeding the NQS consistently demonstrate educator practices that are &#8220;informed by critical reflection&#8221; and &#8220;shaped by meaningful engagement with families and communities&#8221; (ACECQA, 2018, p. 18). When educators analyse video footage of children&#8217;s play, as required in this assessment, they develop the professional habit of &#8220;noticing&#8221;; a term borrowed from the work of Mason (2002) that refers to the disciplined attention educators bring to fleeting moments of learning. This skill translates directly into daily practice, where split-second decisions about whether to intervene, extend, or step back can either amplify or constrain a child&#8217;s developmental trajectory. For students completing TCHR2003, mastering this analytical lens is not merely an academic exercise; it is the foundation of ethical, effective early childhood pedagogy that honours each child&#8217;s agency and potential.<\/p>\n<h3>Common Misconceptions About Play-Based Curriculum<\/h3>\n<p>Several misconceptions persist among pre-service teachers regarding play-based curriculum, and addressing these is critical for assessment success. First, some students assume that &#8220;play-based&#8221; means the educator remains passive or that any play activity automatically constitutes curriculum; in reality, play-based learning requires active educator involvement in planning the environment, selecting materials, and engaging in sustained shared thinking during play episodes (Siraj-Blatchford, 2009). Second, there is a tendency to conflate &#8220;curriculum&#8221; with &#8220;program&#8221; or &#8220;lesson plan&#8221;; while related, curriculum in early childhood is broader, encompassing the hidden curriculum of spatial arrangements, temporal routines, and relational climates that shape children&#8217;s daily experiences (McLachlan et al., 2018). Third, students sometimes treat the EYLF and NQS as checklists rather than integrated frameworks; scoring well in this assessment requires showing how these documents interweave with developmental theory to inform holistic practice. For instance, linking a child&#8217;s turn-taking behaviour to both Vygotsky&#8217;s sociocultural theory and EYLF Outcome 1 demonstrates the integrated thinking that distinguishes Credit-level work from High Distinction-level work. Students who invest time in reading the EYLF v2.0 introductory chapters, rather than skimming the outcomes list, will find that their analysis gains depth and authenticity because they can cite specific page references and explain the philosophical underpinnings of each practice.<\/p>\n<h3>Key Study Points for Rubric Alignment<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Always ground observations in specific, timestamped behaviours from the video rather than general descriptions.<\/li>\n<li>Link each developmental domain to at least one peer-reviewed theory or framework; Vygotsky, Piaget, Bronfenbrenner, and Fleer are all highly relevant.<\/li>\n<li>When discussing curriculum, explicitly reference the AGDE (2022) definition and show how interactions, routines, and the physical environment each contribute to learning.<\/li>\n<li>In Part 3, define play-based learning and intentionality using the exact EYLF v2.0 wording on pages 21-22, then apply that definition to your proposed extensions.<\/li>\n<li>Ensure EYLF connections include at least one Principle, one Practice, and one Outcome, with explicit explanations of how each applies to your plan.<\/li>\n<li>Maintain a minimum of 10 academic references, including the EYLF v2.0 and NQS as foundational documents.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>References \/ Learning Materials \/ Resources<\/h2>\n<p>Arthur, L., Beecher, B., Death, E., Dockett, S., &amp; Farmer, S. (2025).\u00a0<em>Programming and planning in early childhood settings<\/em>\u00a0(8th ed.). Cengage Learning Australia.<\/p>\n<p>Australian Children&#8217;s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). (2018).\u00a0<em>National Quality Standard<\/em>. https:\/\/www.acecqa.gov.au\/nqf\/national-quality-standard<\/p>\n<p>Australian Government Department of Education (AGDE). (2022).\u00a0<em>Belonging, being and becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia v2.0<\/em>. https:\/\/www.acecqa.gov.au\/sites\/default\/files\/2023-01\/EYLF-2022-V2.0.pdf<\/p>\n<p>Blaise, M., Edwards, S., &amp; Brooker, L. (2014).\u00a0<em>Theoretical perspectives on play and learning<\/em>. SAGE Publications. https:\/\/dx.doi.org\/10.4135\/9781473907850<\/p>\n<p>Edwards, C., Gandini, L., &amp; Forman, G. (Eds.). (2012).\u00a0<em>The hundred languages of children: The Reggio Emilia experience in transformation<\/em>\u00a0(3rd ed.). Praeger.<\/p>\n<p>Fleer, M. (2021).\u00a0<em>Play in the early years<\/em>. Cambridge University Press. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1017\/9781108779913<\/p>\n<p>McLachlan, C., Fleer, M., &amp; Edwards, S. (2018).\u00a0<em>Early childhood curriculum: Planning, assessment, and implementation<\/em>\u00a0(2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.<\/p>\n<p>Mason, J. (2002).\u00a0<em>Researching your own practice: The discipline of noticing<\/em>. RoutledgeFalmer. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4324\/9780203471876<\/p>\n<p>Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2009). Conceptualising progression in the pedagogy of play and sustained shared thinking in early childhood education: A Vygotskian perspective.\u00a0<em>Educational and Child Psychology, 26<\/em>(2), 77-89. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.53841\/bpsecp.2009.26.2.77<\/p>\n<p>Vygotsky, L. S. (1978).\u00a0<em>Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes<\/em>. Harvard University Press.<\/p>\n<h3>~~~<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li>TCHR2003 Assessment 2 Portfolio: How do I analyse children&#8217;s play-based learning and link it to EYLF and developmental milestones?<\/li>\n<li>Pretend Play and Curriculum Analysis<\/li>\n<li>TCHR2003 Portfolio: Video Analysis of Play-Based Learning with EYLF v2.0 and NQS Alignment<\/li>\n<li>Analysing Children&#8217;s Learning Through Play Observation<\/li>\n<li>Designing Intentional Curriculum Extensions from Video Observations in Early Childhood Settings<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3>~~~<\/h3>\n<h2>Next Assessment: TCHR2003 Assessment 1 \u2013 Critical Review (Likely Week 1-4)<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Assessment Type:<\/strong>\u00a0Critical Review<\/p>\n<p><strong>Length:<\/strong>\u00a01,500 words<\/p>\n<p><strong>Weighting:<\/strong>\u00a050%<\/p>\n<p><strong>Due Date:<\/strong>\u00a0Monday, 31 March 2026, 11:59 pm AEST\/AEDT (Start of Week 4)<\/p>\n<h3>Task Overview<\/h3>\n<p>Assessment 1 invites you to step into the role of a curriculum architect for a new early childhood service, &#8220;Southern Cross Early Learning&#8221; (SCEL). The task requires you to demonstrate your understanding of how to design a vibrant and engaging curriculum and learning environment for children aged birth to five, drawing on your understanding of play-based learning as described in the Early Years Learning Framework and the National Quality Standard. This task encourages you to critically analyse your curriculum choices, provide justification based on theoretical perspectives, and ensure that learning areas and experiences foster holistic child development.<\/p>\n<h3>Task Instructions<\/h3>\n<h4>Part 1: Curriculum Vision (500 words)<\/h4>\n<p>Write a 500-word document in full paragraphs (not dot points) for the service&#8217;s Educational Leader explaining your vision for the service&#8217;s curriculum. Your response must include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Curriculum definition:<\/strong>\u00a0Describe what &#8220;curriculum&#8221; means in early childhood education using ECE-specific literature.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Curriculum vision:<\/strong>\u00a0Explain how the service can incorporate play-based learning and the approaches that can be used. Use an engaging scenario or anecdote to illustrate your point.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Justification:<\/strong>\u00a0Share how a curriculum framework benefits children, educators, and families. Use relatable examples to show how the curriculum ensures every child thrives.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Links to EYLF v2.0 (AGDE, 2022), NQS (ACECQA, 2018), theory and literature.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Part 2: Two Learning Environments (2 x 550 words)<\/h4>\n<p>Use the templates to create two different learning environments at &#8220;Southern Cross Early Learning&#8221; that could support thinking and learning: one indoor environment and one outdoor environment.<\/p>\n<p>Both learning environments must integrate the following learning domains:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Science<\/li>\n<li>Numeracy\/Maths<\/li>\n<li>Technology<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Each learning environment should demonstrate how it supports integrated learning across multiple (maximum 3) developmental domains (physical, cognitive, language, social and emotional, or creative) by:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Describing the physical layout and resources you will include (e.g., furniture, materials, displays).<\/li>\n<li>Providing a rationale\/justification for the learning environment, explaining how the elements support the developmental domains. Make direct links to theory and relevant literature.<\/li>\n<li>Analysing your learning environment: reflect on strengths and potential limitations. Discuss adaptations to ensure inclusivity for children with disabilities or developmental delays. Explain how you would make the environment culturally responsive.<\/li>\n<li>Making 2 connections to the EYLF v2.0.<\/li>\n<li>Making 2 connections to the NQS.<\/li>\n<li>Providing examples of resources that can be found in the learning environment.<\/li>\n<li>Including images of the learning environment (these can be images you have taken yourself or ones you have sourced; these images do not need to be referenced).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Part 3: Referencing<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>APA Referencing style is required.<\/li>\n<li>Include one reference list for all responses on a new page at the end of the task.<\/li>\n<li>A minimum of 10 academic sources are to be included in the reference list.<\/li>\n<li>At a minimum, your sources will include the EYLF v2.0 (AGDE, 2022), NQS (ACECQA, 2018), and a range of broader authoritative literature.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>TCHR2003: Curriculum Studies in Early Childhood Education Assessment 2: Portfolio \u2013 Video Analysis of Play-Based Learning Compose a 1,500-word portfolio analysing children&#8217;s play-based learning in a video observation, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4924],"tags":[4931,4927,4928,4925],"class_list":["post-8308","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-tchr2003-curriculum-studies-in-early-childhood-education","tag-southern-cross-university-early-childhood-education","tag-early-childhood-video-observation-assessment","tag-eylf-v2-0-play-based-learning-analysis","tag-acecqa-developmental-milestones-essay"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.homeworkacetutors.com\/acemyhomework\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8308","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.homeworkacetutors.com\/acemyhomework\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.homeworkacetutors.com\/acemyhomework\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.homeworkacetutors.com\/acemyhomework\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.homeworkacetutors.com\/acemyhomework\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8308"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.homeworkacetutors.com\/acemyhomework\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8308\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.homeworkacetutors.com\/acemyhomework\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8308"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.homeworkacetutors.com\/acemyhomework\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8308"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.homeworkacetutors.com\/acemyhomework\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8308"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}