In our previous blog, The 5 Developmental Domains Explained: Building Strong Foundations, we explored how children’s learning and growth are shaped by five key developmental areas—physical, cognitive, language and communication, social and emotional, and creative development. These domains provide a strong foundation for understanding how young children acquire essential skills through play and everyday experiences.

But how does this relate to the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) 2.0? To ensure children receive the best possible start, educators and caregivers must align learning experiences with national standards. This is where the EYLF comes in. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how the EYLF learning outcomes naturally integrate with the five developmental domains. More importantly, we’ll discuss how you can use this knowledge to create play-based learning environments that nurture confident, capable, and engaged learners.

🔗 Missed our first blog on the developmental domains? Read it here: The 5 Developmental Domains Explained: Building Strong Foundations.

How Developmental Domains Align with the EYLF Learning Outcomes:

1. Physical Development → EYLF Learning Outcomes 1, 3 & 4

• Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity

  • Developing independence in self-care (e.g., dressing, toileting)
  • Using physical movement to explore and express themselves (e.g., dance, dramatic play)

• Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing

  • Developing gross motor skills (e.g., climbing, running) and fine motor skills (e.g., drawing, threading)
  • Understanding healthy lifestyles (e.g., physical activity, nutrition)
  • Managing self-care and hygiene routines

• Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners

  • Using sensory exploration and hands-on experiences to develop problem-solving and physical coordination

2. Cognitive Development → EYLF Learning Outcomes 2, 4 & 5

• Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world

  • Exploring scientific, mathematical, and social concepts through inquiry (e.g., observing nature, community participation)

• Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners

  • Engaging in problem-solving, memory recall, and critical thinking
  • Using tools and technology to explore and extend learning
  • Developing curiosity, exploration, and persistence

• Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators

  • Understanding symbols, patterns, and sequences (early numeracy & literacy)
  • Engaging in pretend play and symbolic thinking

3. Language & Communication Development → EYLF Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 4 & 5

• Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity

  • Expressing their needs, emotions, and preferences through language

• Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world

  • Developing the ability to communicate and collaborate with others
  • Learning about cultural diversity through language and storytelling

• Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners

  • Developing early literacy skills through storytelling, discussions, and questioning

• Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators

  • Engaging in meaningful conversations and active listening
  • Recognizing letters, symbols, and print in the environment
  • Exploring language through music, songs, rhymes, and play

4. Social & Emotional Development → EYLF Learning Outcomes 1, 2 & 3

• Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity

  • Developing self-awareness and confidence
  • Expressing feelings and emotions appropriately
  • Building positive relationships with educators and peers

• Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world

  • Learning empathy and respect for others
  • Engaging in social play and cooperative experiences

• Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing

  • Developing self-regulation skills (coping with emotions, problem-solving in social conflicts)
  • Feeling safe and supported in their environment

5. Creative & Aesthetic Development → EYLF Learning Outcomes 1, 4 & 5

• Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity

  • Expressing themselves through art, music, movement, and dramatic play
  • Building confidence in their creativity

• Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners

  • Exploring creative thinking through imaginative and small-world play
  • Experimenting with materials, colours, sounds, and movement

• Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators

  • Using art, music, and storytelling to express thoughts and emotions
  • Developing communication skills through role-play and drama

Bringing It All Together

The EYLF does not separate learning into traditional “subjects” like school curriculums do. Instead, it integrates developmental domains into play-based learning. For example:

• A child building a block tower is developing fine motor skills (physical), problem-solving (cognitive), communication (language), and persistence (social-emotional).
• A child engaging in pretend play as a doctor or shopkeeper is practicing social skills (social-emotional), communication (language), creativity (aesthetic), and problem-solving (cognitive).
• A child playing with playdough is strengthening fine motor skills (physical), sensory exploration (cognitive), creativity (aesthetic), and self-expression (social-emotional).

By understanding how the five developmental domains align with the EYLF learning outcomes, educators and caregivers can create meaningful, play-based learning environments that support the whole child. Rather than viewing development and curriculum as separate, we can see how they work hand-in-hand to nurture confident, capable, and engaged learners.

At Sticks & Stones Education, we are passionate about providing high-quality learning resources that align with the EYLF and support children's holistic development. Our curated collection of toys, sensory materials, and educational resources has been handpicked by early childhood education professionals to enrich children's play and learning experiences. Whether you're looking for open-ended toys, literacy and numeracy resources, or materials to encourage creativity, we have something to support every child’s growth.

💡 Explore our collection today and find the perfect resources to bring EYLF learning to life!