perspectives & theories in oshc

Erikson -Psychosocial Development

Erikson’s Psychosocial Development theory helps OSHC educators understand what children are working on beneath the surface—belonging, confidence, identity, friendship, competence, and self-worth. In this OSHC-ready module, you’ll explore key psychosocial stages most relevant to primary-aged children in plain language, hear a creative “voice of Erikson” narrative (educational purpose only), listen to educators plan how to apply the lens, hear an Educational Leader interview on mentoring wellbeing- and belonging-focused practice, work through a realistic case study, and complete a critical reflection using the Circle of Change (revised) so learning becomes visible in everyday interactions, environments, and routines.
Format

Online
Module

Author

Belinda Wright

Duration

45 - 60 mins

Price

$49

About the module

OSHC is not just “care after school.” It’s a social world where children practise being themselves, negotiating friendships, taking risks, building competence, and finding belonging. Erikson’s lens helps educators notice that many behaviour and wellbeing challenges are connected to psychosocial needs—like feeling capable, included, respected, and safe to try.

This module supports educators to respond more intentionally by recognising:
  • why some children seek leadership (and others avoid it)
  • why “I can’t” and “I’m bored” can be protective strategies
  • how peer culture shapes identity and confidence
  • how routines, expectations, and adult language can either support or undermine competence
  • how OSHC can strengthen protective factors through relationships and meaningful participation

Understand psychosocial needs

A clear introduction to Erikson’s key ideas—what children are working on socially and emotionally, and how this shows up in OSHC.

See it in practice + leadership

Bring the theory to life through a “voice of the theorist” narrative, educator implementation dialogue, a real case study, and an Educational Leader interview on mentoring belonging, confidence, and wellbeing in everyday practice.

Reflect → improve

Use the Circle of Change (revised): Deconstruct → Confront → Theorise → Think Otherwise, then consolidate in “What have I learnt?” with one next step to trial.

Successful Negotiations:
A MasterClass

We will help you unlock your inner potential so you can excel in your professional field. Some of the benefits of our trainings are:
  • Introduction to Erikson + What is Psychosocial Development?
    Plain-language overview with OSHC examples: confidence, competence, identity, peer belonging, risk-taking, and emotional safety.
  • “Let’s hear from Erik Erikson”
    A short creative narrative where “Erikson” speaks to supporting children’s sense of competence and identity through everyday relationships and opportunities (educational purpose only).
  • Educator dialogue: implementing the psychosocial lens
    A realistic conversation between educators after completing the module—brainstorming how to:
    - build belonging and positive peer culture
    - support competence through meaningful roles and achievable challenge
    - respond to “can’t/won’t” behaviour with dignity and scaffolding
    - use language that strengthens identity and self-worth
    - design environments that invite participation without pressure
  • Interview: Educational Leader perspective
    A grounded interview focused on:
    - how an Educational Leader mentors educators to notice psychosocial needs behind behaviour
    - how to support children who are excluded, anxious, or highly status-driven
    - how to create consistent routines that build safety and confidence
    - how to document observations that capture wellbeing, belonging, and growth
  • OSHC case study: confidence, belonging, and peer culture
    A realistic scenario (e.g., a child avoiding group play, a child dominating games, exclusion dynamics, “I’m bored” resistance, conflict around rules/status). Learners practise identifying the psychosocial need and choosing responses that build competence and belonging.
  • Critical reflection (Circle of Change – revised)
    Deconstruct → Confront → Theorise → Think Otherwise to challenge default assumptions (e.g., “attention seeking,” “lazy,” “dramatic,” “bossy”) and redesign more supportive, dignity-preserving practice.
  • What have I learnt?
    A short consolidation step to name key takeaways and commit to one practical change to trial.
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The “Let’s hear from…” section is a creative narrative designed for educator learning and is not a direct quote from published works.

What educators will be able to do after this module

Educators who complete this module will be better able to:
  • Recognise psychosocial needs (competence, belonging, identity) behind behaviour
  • Support children to build confidence through achievable challenge and meaningful roles
  • Strengthen peer culture by noticing inclusion/exclusion patterns early
  • Use language that builds dignity, self-worth, and a growth mindset
  • Respond to power struggles and “status games” with calmer, more effective strategies
  • Improve observations by capturing wellbeing and social development (not just incidents)

Who this module is for

  • OSHC educators wanting practical ways to support wellbeing, confidence, and belonging
  • Educational Leaders / service leaders mentoring team practice around peer culture, identity, and child-centred guidance
Ready to support children’s confidence and belonging in the after-school hours that matter?

Belinda Wright

Founder | Director of Learning | OSHCologist | Researcher

I’m Belinda Wright—an OSHC practitioner, leader, and learning designer with almost two decades in the sector. I’ve completed a Graduate Certificate in Education (Learning & Leadership) and I’m currently completing a Master of Education (Learning & Leadership), with research focused on educational leadership in OSHC. This course is designed to make theory practical—so educators can use it to deepen observations, strengthen pedagogy, and improve everyday practice.