Developing a Strong Sense of Identity
“When children feel safe, secure and supported they grow in confidence to explore and learn.”
Early Years Learning Framework(EYLF) for Australia
One of the learning outcomes that educators work towards with children during their time in the Early Learning Centre is in relation to children developing a sense of identity.
EYLF Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity
- Children feel safe, secure, and supported
- Children develop their emerging autonomy, inter-dependence, resilience, and sense of agency
- Children develop knowledgeable and confident self-identities
- Children learn to interact in relation to others with care, empathy, and respect
When children engage in positive experiences in the Early Learning context, they develop an understanding of themselves as significant and respected. These experiences also assist in shaping the children’s identity and helping them to feel a sense of belonging to the community.
Secure relationships with educators and peers are important to developing a sense of belonging. This is something we actively foster within our Campbell House programs. Children explore aspects of their identity through their play and relationships with others.
Learning opportunities are also provided for children to develop an awareness of their social and cultural heritage, and their significance in the world. The children are invited to share their individual identity and culture and to learn about those of peers.
It is essential that we support the children to establish a strong sense of identity as it is from this secure foundation that children will grow and learn.
