example of an analysis of the learning, development, needs and interest of the child based on the observation below

An ice cream inspired experience was set up for Harley to explore, the ice cream in the middle was made up of planet based whipped cream and rice bubbles. Surrounding the ice cream was ice cream cones, sprinkles and scoops. The idea was for Harley to create her own ice cream all while strengthening her fine and gross motor skills and language.

Harley was immediately drawn to the tray, crawling around it looking at all the items, before sitting and grabbing a handful of rice bubbles and eating them. Harley became interested in the ice cream cones, grabbing a hold of a handful of the whipped cream and placing it into the cone. Harley then handed the ice cream cone to an educator, 'what are you doing Harley', this caused Harley to smile and giggle. She seemed to be pleased with this as she continued to place cream in her cone while also eating some. Harley looked around the tray grabbing handfuls of rice bubbles and sprinkles, placing some on her cone and in her mouth. Harley was quick to grab the cone off the educator and place it into her mouth eating it as fast as she could.

When asked what she made Harley held out the ice cream cone and smiled before dropping it and grabbing handfuls of rice bubbles. Harley began crawling around the tray, seeming to observe the different items around the tray. She ate items along the way as well as babbling to the educators as she went along.

Benefits of Experience

This experience was not only engaging for Harley but also provided her eith immense learning.Sensory play plays an important role in a child's learning and development. Much of our learning comes through our ability to use our senses to retain information. It also offers many benefits for child development, including:

• Helping children understand how their actions affect what's around them.
• Supporting brain development, enhancing memory, complex tasks and problem solving.
• Developing fine motor skills through tactile play (useful when children want to hold a pen or use scissors for example).
• Supportinglanguage development, communication and social skills.
• Enhancing memory and observational skills.
• Encouraging creative and independent thinking.
• Emotional regulation by providing a calming effect on children's angry or anxious feelings.