To enable a child to become an effective learner the Early Years Foundation Stage identifies three inter-changeable characteristics which help children to learn. Being aware of these characteristics enables the adult to support and extend a child's learning whilst the child is involved in an activity or at play in the Nursery. The three characteristics are as follows:
Playing and Exploring (engagement) This involves finding out and exploring, playing with what they know and being willing to 'have a go'.
Active Learning (motivation) This is being involved and concentrating, to keep trying and enjoying achieving what they set out to do.
Creating and Thinking Critically This involves having their own ideas, making links and choosing ways to do things.
