ACTIVE PARTICIPATION © Laser Learning Ltd 2014

What is active participation Active participation means more than just inclusion it is about being and feeling involved, enjoying the activity and anticipating future activities. While this is most often applied to children, it is easy to see how active participation could also be important to parents and staff too.

We are all different Everyone has their own way of doing, remembering and learning things. Active participation ensures that whatever a person’s preferred method of involvement, there is a way for them to participate.

Explanation Imagine you are given written instructions on how to do something. If you are unable to read, you cannot participate. However if those same instructions were explained verbally – you automatically include those who can understand English but cannot read it. If the instructions are demonstrated – you now also include those who do not understand English.

Getting involved By providing a variety of ways to engage with the learning or events at the setting, you promote active participation. Consider then how you might arouse each child’s curiosity, attention and motivation, and how you scaffold their learning. Think about what interests a child, without using this as a reason to limit their experiences.

Recording achievements The principle of active participation also involves children recognising or recording their ideas, feelings, preferences and achievements in a way that is accessible and meaningful for them. For some this may be writing a story or drawing a picture. It could also be achieved by making an audio recording or video taping. It could simply be a series of sticks with each one showing a face with a particular emotion that the child can hold up.

Think active when planning Practitioners who use observations of children will quickly come to know the needs and interests of each child in their care. Planning should take this knowledge into account and careful thought given to how each child can be included through active participation. Sharing this information with colleagues will also ensure continuity across the setting for that child.

Not just children Adults too have preferred ways of communicating and getting involved. The concept of active participation can also be applied these relationships also: Parents might prefer you to talk to them about an upcoming event rather than sending a letter. Staff might understand the principles of behaviour management better if they watch a teacher’s TV video rather than listening to their line manager talk abut it.

Activity Look at the planning for an activity that you did last week. Evaluate the activity in terms of how it encouraged and enabled active participation. What would you do differently next time?