Teaching and Learning

Big Write and VCOP Talk Homework

Our next Big Write will be held on Thursday 23rd February, 2023. Our topic will be:

Walker Learning in the F-2s

Walker Learning is a pedagogical approach to learning created by Kathy Walker. In the F-2 year levels, it is used as a pedagogy to support students with their learning in a play-based context. The program aims to build social skills, resilience, relationships, and cognitive concepts. The F-2 students participate in Walker Learning Investigations four days a week for an hour.

In these sessions, the students follow a process and have a variety of roles that they take turns completing. The sessions begin with Tuning In. The teacher explicitly teaches the students about a concept that can be related to their subject learning and the learning spaces. 

The students then engage in Investigations. They are given time to explore the learning spaces and engage in an activity. We encourage deep engagement, where the students choose their area and build upon their own knowledge. The teacher moves around the spaces, engaging with students which enhances their learning. Although all the learning spaces are planned by the teacher and have specific learning aims, the students are able to extend their learning in different directions.

The Walker Learning session ends with Reset and Reflection. The students reset the spaces to how they were, except for where a Work in Progress sign is used. The Work in Progress sign is used for students to continue their learning the following day without having to rebuild. The students end with Reflection, where the students, with roles, share their learning.

Selected students are given the roles of Focus Student, Reporter, or Photographer. The students with these roles have specific tasks that they need to complete during the session. 

The Focus Student/s will model a discussion with the teacher to the other students and the teacher will spend time with them in their chosen learning space to extend their learning and make connections in regards to the curriculum. They will share this learning with the class during Reflection.

The Reporter/s are given a written task which is unique to their learning goals. They complete this during investigations and then present to the class during Reflection time.

The Photographers are given a visual task that involves photography or videography and relates to their learning goals to be completed during the session. They also present this during Reflection.