Learning in the Foundation Stage.
The Foundation Stage is organised over 6 areas of learning but in practice there is a considerable amount of overlap which is necessary for children to learn the way they do best – by making links and connections.
Personal, social and emotional development Children will learn to be self-confident, take an interest in things, know what their own needs are, tell the difference between right and wrong and understand the needs for rules as they learn to follow the class and the schools codes of conduct as well as being able to dress and undress independently. This area
involves establishing good behaviour and social relationships – being polite, taking turns, sharing and tidying up all fall into this area.
This area also covers religious education through Christian Celebrations (Christmas, Easter) and they will begin to develop an awareness of the importance of religion to many people in our own and other cultures.
Communication, Language and Literacy
Children will learn to talk confidently and clearly, enjoying stories, songs and poems, hearing and saying sounds, and linking them to the alphabet. They will read and write some familiar words. Early approaches to literacy will include sharing and handling books, being read to, looking at picture books, recognising their own names leading to learning to read. Lots of varied, practical activities will help to develop pencil control and assist with letter formation and learning
to write.
Mathematical Development
Children will develop an understanding of maths through stories, songs, games and imaginative play. This area will fall under three aspects of learning; learning to count and beginning to understand numbers; calculating (addition and
subtraction) and learning about shapes and space which will include measures, weight and time. Many activities are practical and involve problem solving to show the relevance of maths to everyday life.
Knowledge and Understanding of the World
Children will explore and find out about the world around them and where they live, asking questions about it. They will build with different materials, know about everyday technology including computers, digital cameras etc and learn what it is used for. They will find out about past events in their lives and their families’ lives.
Physical Development
Children will learn to move confidently, controlling their body and equipment.
Creative Development
Children will explore colours and shapes, trying out dance, making things, telling stories and making music.
The Early Learning Goals set out the skills, understanding knowledge and attitudes it is hoped children will reach or exceed by the end of their reception year. An integral part of the Foundation Stage is play, both adult-led and child-initiated, indoors and outdoors, as this is a key way in which young children learn.
Sometimes they will choose what they want to do at other times they will take part in structured, adult- led activities which help them learn how to concentrate or develop a particular skill.
Well-planned, purposeful activities with appropriate intervention from adults helps engage all the children in the learning process and allows them to make progress in their learning. These opportunities allow children to engage not only in activities planned by the teacher but also those they initiate themselves.
Take a look at some of the photographs of us exploring and learning.