Early Years Education Glossary

Providing support or assistance to a child as they work on a task, gradually reducing the support as the child becomes more capable.

A psychological theory suggesting that children naturally organise their experiences into cognitive frameworks or schemas, which influence how they interpret the world.

Repeated patterns of behaviour or play that children engage in as a way of exploring and understanding the world around them, typically seen in toddlers.

A child's belief in their own abilities and capacity to succeed, which influences their motivation and learning.

The ability to control behaviour, emotions, and impulses, to meet social and cultural expectations.

The process of the brain receiving and interpreting information from the senses to produce appropriate responses.

Play activities that engage one or more of the senses (sight, touch, hearing, taste, smell) to support children's learning and development.

A condition where the brain has difficulty receiving and responding to sensory information, affecting behaviour and learning.

The process through which children learn to understand and regulate their emotions, as well as interact with others and form relationships.

Interactive play where children engage in activities with peers, promoting social skills, sharing, and cooperation.