As a mum, I often watch my boys play—whether it’s my youngest carefully lining up his toy cars or my eldest experimenting with a science kit at home—and marvel at how much learning happens through play. But behind the most meaningful play experiences, there’s often something more: intentional teaching.
Intentional teaching is a core practice within Australia’s National Quality Framework (NQF), guiding both the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and My Time, Our Place (MTOP). It’s defined as “being thoughtful and purposeful in actions and making decisions”, where educators act deliberately to support children’s learning through play.
Why Intentional Teaching Matters in Early Learning
1. Making the Most of Learning Moments
Intentional teaching recognises that learning happens in social contexts.
It’s about using joint attention, shared thinking, and spontaneous teachable moments to extend children’s learning.
For example, if children are building, an educator might ask questions to promote problem-solving or introduce a new concept—turning play into a rich learning experience.
2. Guiding Without Controlling
Intentionality isn’t rigid or adult-led.
It involves making purposeful decisions about when to observe and when to join in. Educators use strategies like modelling, questioning, speculating, and demonstrating to extend learning while respecting children’s agency.
It’s a balance between child-led discovery and thoughtful adult support.
3. Aligning Play with Learning Outcomes
The NQF’s planning cycle—Observe, Assess, Plan, Implement, Evaluate—helps educators ensure that even spontaneous play contributes to EYLF and MTOP outcomes.
Intentional teaching ensures that every moment, whether planned or emergent, has purpose and direction.
4. Creating Rich Learning Environments
Intentional teaching also involves designing environments that promote active engagement, problem solving, creativity, and exploration.
Every resource and space arrangement becomes a deliberate choice to enhance learning opportunities.
5. Making Purposeful Practice Easy
Aware Bear is a plug-and-play resource that simplifies intentional teaching.
Each storybook includes EYLF and MTOP-aligned teaching notes, guiding educators in facilitating meaningful learning experiences.
The bear itself, along with tummy patches and discussion starters, invites hands-on interaction and imaginative play—perfect for supporting Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners.
How Aware Bear Supports Intentional Teaching
Each Aware Bear pack includes:
- A cuddly Aware Bear plush
- 15 engaging storybooks designed to spark curiosity and exploration
- Discussion starters to guide critical thinking and inquiry
- Teaching notes aligned with EYLF and MTOP Outcome 4
- Special day tummy patches to personalise learning experiences
These resources help educators embed intentionality into everyday play, making learning purposeful, child-centred, and curriculum-aligned.
Ready to Enhance Your Intentional Teaching Practice?
Explore the Aware Bear Purposeful Play Collection and bring intentional teaching to life in your early childhood setting.