Designing activities to support
the development of babies,
toddlers and young children
SAQA Unit Standard
ID 244485
Learner Guide
Study Guide: Designing activities to support the development of babies, toddlers and young children
SAQA ID 244485
1
, Table of Contents
Page
About this study guide 4
Course outcomes 6
Unit 1: Learning and developmental needs of children in an 7
ECD Centre
Topic 1: Conducting a needs analysis 8
Topic 2: Suitable activities to promote learning and development 16
Unit 2: Key elements of activity design 22
Topic1: Allow for children’s input 23
Topic 2: Meet the developmental needs of individual children 27
Topic 3: Create balance 30
Topic 4: Provide opportunities for progression 32
Topic 5: Eliminate bias 40
Topic 6: Design and use activity plans 45
Unit 3: Design activities 51
Topic 1: Language activities 52
Topic 2: Creative activities 60
Topic 3: Make and Bake activities 68
Topic 4: Movement activities 74
Topic 5: Music activities 83
Topic 6: Routine activities 88
Topic 7: Outings 90
Unit 4: Evaluate the design of the activities 92
93
Topic 1: Evaluating activities
References 104
Study Guide: Designing activities to support the development of babies, toddlers and young children
SAQA ID 244485
2
, About this Study Guide
Introduction
Welcome to the study guide for Designing activities to support the development of babies, toddlers
and young children. In this study guide, we will look at the value of learning activities (creative art,
music, movement, morning ring and stories) and routine activities. Furthermore, we will discuss the
design and evaluation thereof.
Some of the theories of child development that are touched on may have been covered in previous
modules but we will briefly discuss them in terms of their importance in planning appropriate
activities. The focus in this guide is on the ECD practitioner led activities in the ECD playroom.
While this unit standard covers the ages of 0–5, we will focus more on activities that can be used with
toddlers and especially young children.
Please note that we have followed the guidelines from the SAQA qualification in determining that:
The following age ranges are defined within the normal parameters of development and may need to
be adjusted according to individual needs:
'Babies' refers to an approximate range of 0 to 12 months
'Toddlers' refers to an approximate range of 12 to 30 months
'Young children' refers to an approximate range of 30 months to 5 years old
The term “developmentally appropriate” is used in the context that there are multiple and contested
ways in which it can be understood. However, it is intended to convey the sense that children develop
in recognisable ways at different rates and the standards may differ in various models and theories.
Study Guide: Designing activities to support the development of babies, toddlers and young children
SAQA ID 244485
3
, You should also pay attention to the following icons so that you know exactly what they stand for:
When you see this icon, it means you must complete an activity.
When you see this icon, it describes an important concept or explanation.
When you see this icon, you will find a definition of a word or term that may be new to
you.
When you see this icon, it means you must place your completed written work in your
Portfolio of Evidence.
When you see this icon, it means you must write in your Journal.
Study Guide: Designing activities to support the development of babies, toddlers and young children
SAQA ID 244485
4
the development of babies,
toddlers and young children
SAQA Unit Standard
ID 244485
Learner Guide
Study Guide: Designing activities to support the development of babies, toddlers and young children
SAQA ID 244485
1
, Table of Contents
Page
About this study guide 4
Course outcomes 6
Unit 1: Learning and developmental needs of children in an 7
ECD Centre
Topic 1: Conducting a needs analysis 8
Topic 2: Suitable activities to promote learning and development 16
Unit 2: Key elements of activity design 22
Topic1: Allow for children’s input 23
Topic 2: Meet the developmental needs of individual children 27
Topic 3: Create balance 30
Topic 4: Provide opportunities for progression 32
Topic 5: Eliminate bias 40
Topic 6: Design and use activity plans 45
Unit 3: Design activities 51
Topic 1: Language activities 52
Topic 2: Creative activities 60
Topic 3: Make and Bake activities 68
Topic 4: Movement activities 74
Topic 5: Music activities 83
Topic 6: Routine activities 88
Topic 7: Outings 90
Unit 4: Evaluate the design of the activities 92
93
Topic 1: Evaluating activities
References 104
Study Guide: Designing activities to support the development of babies, toddlers and young children
SAQA ID 244485
2
, About this Study Guide
Introduction
Welcome to the study guide for Designing activities to support the development of babies, toddlers
and young children. In this study guide, we will look at the value of learning activities (creative art,
music, movement, morning ring and stories) and routine activities. Furthermore, we will discuss the
design and evaluation thereof.
Some of the theories of child development that are touched on may have been covered in previous
modules but we will briefly discuss them in terms of their importance in planning appropriate
activities. The focus in this guide is on the ECD practitioner led activities in the ECD playroom.
While this unit standard covers the ages of 0–5, we will focus more on activities that can be used with
toddlers and especially young children.
Please note that we have followed the guidelines from the SAQA qualification in determining that:
The following age ranges are defined within the normal parameters of development and may need to
be adjusted according to individual needs:
'Babies' refers to an approximate range of 0 to 12 months
'Toddlers' refers to an approximate range of 12 to 30 months
'Young children' refers to an approximate range of 30 months to 5 years old
The term “developmentally appropriate” is used in the context that there are multiple and contested
ways in which it can be understood. However, it is intended to convey the sense that children develop
in recognisable ways at different rates and the standards may differ in various models and theories.
Study Guide: Designing activities to support the development of babies, toddlers and young children
SAQA ID 244485
3
, You should also pay attention to the following icons so that you know exactly what they stand for:
When you see this icon, it means you must complete an activity.
When you see this icon, it describes an important concept or explanation.
When you see this icon, you will find a definition of a word or term that may be new to
you.
When you see this icon, it means you must place your completed written work in your
Portfolio of Evidence.
When you see this icon, it means you must write in your Journal.
Study Guide: Designing activities to support the development of babies, toddlers and young children
SAQA ID 244485
4
