perspectives & theories in oshc

Montessori - Planes of Development

Montessori’s Planes of Development helps OSHC educators understand what children tend to need and seek at different ages—especially across the primary years—so environments, routines, and experiences better fit children’s drive for independence, belonging, competence, and meaningful activity. In this OSHC-ready module, you’ll explore the planes in plain language, hear a creative “voice of Montessori” narrative (educational purpose only), listen to educators plan how to apply the lens in an after-school context, hear an Educational Leader interview on mentoring age-responsive practice across mixed-age groups, work through a realistic case study, and complete a critical reflection using the Circle of Change (revised) so learning becomes visible in everyday OSHC practice.
Format

Online
Module

Author

Belinda Wright

Duration

45 - 60 mins

Price

$49

About the module

OSHC often brings together mixed ages, different maturities, and different needs—within one shared environment. Montessori’s Planes of Development offers a helpful lens for planning age-responsive practice: not as rigid stages, but as a way to understand common developmental drives (e.g., independence, order, social belonging, justice/fairness, competence, identity).

This module supports educators to:
  • design environments that promote independence and capability (without over-controlling)
  • reduce friction by matching expectations to developmental needs
  • plan experiences that suit both younger and older children in the same space
  • support older children’s leadership and contribution without “parentifying” them
  • strengthen transitions and routines so children feel safe, capable, and respected
This is Montessori adapted for OSHC—not a classroom replica. The focus is on practical changes that fit the real rhythms of before/after school care.

Understand the planes

A clear introduction to Montessori’s Planes of Development and what they help educators notice in the primary years and mixed-age OSHC settings.

See it in practice + leadership

Bring the lens to life through a “voice of the theorist” narrative, educator implementation dialogue, a real case study, and an Educational Leader interview on mentoring age-responsive environments, routines, and expectations.

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.

How this module works

This module follows a consistent, educator-friendly structure:
  • Introduction to Maria Montessori + What are the Planes of Development?
    Plain-language overview with OSHC examples: independence, responsibility, social belonging, competence, fairness, and identity across ages.
  • “Let’s hear from Maria Montessori”
    A short creative narrative where “Montessori” speaks to respecting children’s developmental needs and designing environments that support capability (educational purpose only).
  • Educator dialogue: implementing the planes in OSHC
    A realistic conversation between educators after completing the module—brainstorming how to:
    - set up spaces that support independence (self-serve, clear systems, accessible materials)
    - adjust routines/expectations for different age needs
    - create meaningful responsibilities without overburdening older children
    - design “choice architecture” that supports calm transitions and engagement
    - balance freedom with boundaries in busy after-school conditions
  • Interview: Educational Leader perspective
    A grounded interview focused on:
    - how an Educational Leader mentors educators to interpret behaviour through developmental needs
    - how to create consistent age-responsive expectations across the team
    - how to support mixed-age groups and peer leadership positively
    - how to document observations and planning decisions using a developmental lens
  • OSHC case study: mixed ages, mixed needs
    A realistic scenario (e.g., younger children struggling with routines while older children resist “babyish” activities; conflict over materials; leadership/status issues; transitions and pack-up chaos). Learners practise identifying developmental drives and choosing environment/routine adjustments that support all ages.
  • Critical reflection (Circle of Change – revised)
    Deconstruct → Confront → Theorise → Think Otherwise to challenge default assumptions (e.g., “they should know better,” “they’re being difficult,” “older kids don’t want activities”) and redesign practice that respects developmental needs.
  • 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:
  • Plan environments that support independence and capability across ages
  • Adjust expectations and routines to better match developmental needs
  • Reduce behaviour friction by redesigning systems (not blaming children)
  • Strengthen mixed-age group culture through meaningful roles and contribution
  • Increase engagement by offering choices that feel age-respectful and purposeful
  • Support team consistency through shared developmental language and mentoring

Who this module is for

  • OSHC educators wanting practical strategies for mixed-age programming and smoother routines
  • Educational Leaders / service leaders mentoring age-responsive expectations and environments across a team
Ready to design OSHC routines and spaces that better fit children’s developmental needs?

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.