Curious Minds in the Making: How the Characteristics of Effective Learning and the language of the Goal Squad empower our youngest learners

How we use our observations to plan for the children:

As a Nursery teacher, I can honestly say that observation in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is fundamental. It is how we seek to understand each child’s personality, build trusting relationships, and learn what motivates them, both in play and in their social interactions. It is an opportunity for us to truly reflect on what the child ‘tells’ us and to glean gems of insight of what engages, challenges and sparks their curiosity.

What are the Characteristics of Effective Learning?

Put simply, they are the habits, behaviors, and learning styles children use as they play, solve problems, and try new things. They are a crucial part of the EYFS curriculum and underpin almost everything that we plan and deliver for the children each day. We see this across every stage of the Early Years at BISC-LP, in every classroom, and in every subject. The possibilities are endless.

The language of the Goal Squad and the characteristics go hand in hand.

Characteristics & Attributes

Whilst the Characteristics of Effective Learning provides a framework for teaching and specialist staff to plan bespoke, impactful activities, the language of the Goal Squad enables us to focus on what we might notice or hear when the children explore the concept being presented.

For example:

• Rockstar Resilience: Do they have strategies/show emotional resourcefulness to help them
• cope with a range of emotions.
• Reflection Sensei: Are they eager to try new ideas, or do they prefer to stick with what they are familiar with?
• Captain Curiosity: Do they ask questions (verbally or non-verbally)?
• Agent Innovation: Do they demonstrate curiosity, imagination, spontaneity and innovation?
• Major Motivation: What strategies do they use to cope with challenges? Are they able to rebound from disappointments or setbacks?
• Inspector Thoughtful: Are they able to show kindness to themselves and others?
• Alex and Xander Cooperation: Do they respond to others and forge secure relationships with special people?
• Coach Communication: Do they talk about or show in their play, how what they are doing links to a
• previous experience?
• Doctor Respect: Are they open and respectful in their interactions with others?

Effective & Meaningful

I often like to ask myself, ‘How I would measure if a circle time or activity were effective, and what would I hope to see and hear in my classroom that demonstrated this?’ The answer is simple. I want to see sparks of curiosity, language colored with wonderment, and innovative ‘can do’ approaches to solving a problem without the fear of failure. The Goal Squad, and the language that we use to highlight are the perfect tool to ensure that every child feels empowered.

Learning & Holistic

As teachers, we constantly think about the child’s previous learning and their next steps. How to make meaningful progress and not just ‘learning by rote’. Because every child is on their own learning journey; milestones and successes look different for everybody but will always be celebrated. The reason that I love the Early Years Foundation Stage framework is because it allows all children, regardless of age or developmental stage, to view themselves as capable, empathetic, and resilient learners.

With the Goal Squad on our team, showcasing the attributes we believe promote success, our aim is to embolden our children to steer their own space shuttle and soar toward the stars! Discover how the Early Years at BISC–Lincoln Park inspires children to grow, explore, and thrive. Learn more!

Amy Friend

Nursery Teacher & Student Community Director