QV
Digital Learning Program
A continuum of learning
What is the Digital Learning Program?
Aurora’s Digital Learning Program (DLP) includes both live sessions and resource packs. The live sessions are guided online activities led by educators at set times each day. The live sessions are for Aurora’s current and Waitlisted families. The resource packs contain activity guidelines for parents and families to try with children.
Why is the DLP important?
In the present environment, many families may not be able to, or choose not to, access care. However, learning and development and children’s social connections must continue. The DLP allows Aurora’s Educators and parents/guardians to work together to continue children’s learning.
Benefits of participating in the DLP:
- Enables us to stay Connected with each other
- Allows us to continue to work together to provide the best Care for our children
- Creates a continuum of learning for our children
How does the DLP work?
There are two parts of the DLP :
Resource Packs
These are activity packs designed by Aurora educators which families can use to build on their child’s learning. Find a sample Resource pack here. Each resource pack is centered around a different Key Focus Area.
1, The first set of Aurora resource packs are available for all families, visitors and educators. Find the first set of resource packs here.
2. Once a child, conducts an activity in a Key Focus Area, families can fill out a form to request the next resource pack in this area. Aurora’s expert educators will use the families’ feedback to personalize the next resource pack to best support the child’s learning. Individualized resource packs are only available to our current families and families on our Waitlist.
Live Sessions
These are online sessions run by expert Aurora educators at specific times that center around specific Key Focus Areas (KFAs). These sessions are available for our current families and families on our Waitlist.
We run DLP sessions and have resource packs for both Under 3s and Over 3s.
Steps for Live Sessions
- To register fill out the DLP Sessions Registration Form.
- Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive an email of your registration requests, for your confirmation
- You will receive a calendar invite to each individual session within 48 hours. This will be your registration confirmation. The calendar invite will contain the Zoom link to the session, the resources and other relevant information about the session.
- We encourage you to accept these calendar invites and add them to your own calendar; this will allow you to keep track of the sessions your child will be attending.
- If you do not receive a calendar invite within 48 hours, please contact the office.
Steps for Resource Packs
- The first set of Aurora resource packs are available for everyone. Find them here.
- Once your child is finished with the first activity, register to receive the next activity pack here. This process allows us to ensure extension of learning.
- You will receive the next resource packs in the subject of your choice via email. Each resource pack contains activity ideas, questions to ask your child and guidelines for a mindfulness pause!
- Once you receive the resource packs, use them to engage your child.
- Answer a few short reflection questions to access the next resource pack.
- Educators will use your reflection to create the next resource pack which has been personalized for your child.
- You’ll receive the next resource pack within a week!
Note: Week 2 resource packs are only available for current and waitlisted families of Aurora. If you would like to sign up for our Waitlist, head here.
The DLP Key Focus Areas (KFAs)
Our DLP is centered around six key focus areas. Each live session and resource pack is designed to build on knowledge of and skills in a particular KFA.
Find the resource pack for each KFA below.
Science, Technology and Mathematics
These topics are important parts of cognitive development in children, and it starts with exploring how the world works and building on inquiry. Our live sessions resource packs are designed to help lay the foundations for inquiry.
Health and Wellbeing
Health and wellbeing do not just represent the ‘care’ in education and care, it is also representing a critical area of learning. Our live sessions resource packs are designed to build on both physical and mental wellbeing.
Listening, Reading and Writing
Listening, Reading and Writing builds on literacy, which is the capacity, confidence and disposition to use language in all its forms. Our resource packs and live sessions are designed to support the development of literacy in an age-appropriate way.
Mandarin
Learning a second language can help children develop cognitively and socially. We incorporate Mandarin language learning into our programs and our live sessions and resource packs are an extension of this.
Self Expression and the Arts
Having opportunities to express one’s self is as important as being heard and understood. Our live sessions and resource packs provide ways for children to express themselves creatively, and connect with their world.
Topics of Interest and Nature
It is important for children to connect with nature and the natural world. This deepens their sense of belonging and responsibility. Our live sessions and resource packs present ways for children to better understand nature and the environment.
DLP: Extending Pedagogy In An Integrated Cycle
AN EPIC SHIFT
Through understanding the cycle of learning, we have discovered the importance of creating opportunities to enhance knowledge in all environments of a child. Aurora has embarked on the journey to continue the circle of learning by providing a digital method for intentional education at home.
Our digital learning program includes resource packs and live sessions for children who are not coming into the center. Educators trained in the Aurora Curriculum provide tailored classes that combine a specific teacher-led concept with the children’s interests and skills from the center-based programs as well as family input and environmental changes. The resource packs have guided activities that are designed to achieve specific learning outcomes in a variety of Key Focus Areas but also build on children’s holistic development. After a child has engaged with one resource pack, educators will tailor the next resource pack for each individual child and their own learning milestones.
The DLP is a vehicle to build on a continuum of learning and connect with families that are not physically present.
We acknowledge families from diverse backgrounds and circumstances, and we intend to work closely with our community to continue to connect with all. We continue to think outside the box and create further opportunities to collaborate and support children and families of the Aurora Village.
We want to create a continuum of learning, in an EPIC way.
Through understanding the cycle of learning, we have discovered the importance of creating opportunities to enhance knowledge in all environments of a child. Aurora has embarked on the journey to complete the circle of learning by providing a digital method for intentional education at home. Aurora educators design personalized resource packs that are based on individual children’s age, learning journey and specific developmental goals.
Our Theorists
Our professional early childhood educators maintain up-to-date knowledge of recent pedagogical research and best practice. At Aurora, we draw on a number of pedagogical theories as inspiration behind our teaching style.
Maria Montessori
The Montessori approach encourages learning through opportunities in spontaneous, purposeful activities with the guidance of a trained adult. It encourages children to develop concentration and self-discipline while moving at their own pace.
Reggio Emilia
The Reggio Emilia approach is innovative and inspiring, valuing each child as strong, capable and resilient. Each child has a deep curiosity and potential that informs their understanding of the world and their place within it.
Kathy Walker
The Walker approach seeks to promote lateral and creative thinking, asking children to initiate, explore, problem solve, take risks, think deeply and become increasingly motivated to learn, try and be resilient.
Multi-age Learning
Each age group learns each other to practice their leadership skills, gain independence and interact meaningfully with love, empathy and greater understanding as part of the Aurora philosophy.
Quality Assessment Framework
Aurora Exceeds National Standards
The National Quality Standard sets a new national benchmark for the quality of education and care services. It helps families make informed decisions about education and care for their child.