Welcome to Acorn Class 2022-2023

About Early Years Reception

Class: Acorn Class

Teacher: Mrs Smedley

Early Years Curriculum

In Reception the children develop key characteristics of effective learning. These include playing and exploring, active learning and creating and thinking critically. Every child is unique and we encourage them to follow their interests and develop their own ideas.

There are 7 areas of learning which are divided into the Prime (Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Communication and Language and Physical Development) and Specific areas (Literacy, Maths, Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design). All the areas of learning are delivered through a balance of teacher-led activities and child-initiated play.

Teacher-led carpet sessions include phonics, maths and story-telling. Teacher-led focus group activities include guided reading, writing and maths. During play sessions adults will observe and then co-play with the children to develop their thinking, extend their language and model skills.

The EYFS 'Development Matters' document shows the Early Learning Goals across all areas of learning including all the steps to get there from birth to 5. This is the document we use at school to assess and plan the next steps for the children's learning. Children are working towards meeting the Early Learning Goals by the end of Reception.

www.foundationyears.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Development-Matters-FINAL-PRINT-AMENDED.pdf

Play

Our Reception Classroom and garden are set up in a way that encourages open ended play opportunities where the children can be imaginative, solve problems and challenge themselves. They can free-flow between indoor and outdoor play. The resources are continuous with access to ‘loose parts’ such as collections of natural materials and block play.

‘When children interact with loose parts, they enter a world of ‘what if’ that promotes the type of thinking that leads to problem solving and theoretical reasoning. Loose parts enhance children’s ability to think imaginatively and see solutions, and they bring a sense of adventure and excitement to children’s play.’ (Daly and Beloglovsky, 2015)

Forest School

We are very excited to offer a weekly forest school session to all Reception pupils. The forest school ethos links very well with early years as they both have a child-centred approach and a strong emphasis on play.

'Forest School is an inspirational process that offers ALL learners regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem, through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland or natural environment with trees. Forest School is a specialised learning approach that sits within and compliments the wider context of outdoor and woodland education.' (Forest School Association)

In the Ready Steady Grow project your child will take part in practical activities to explore where food comes from. They will learn what seeds and plants need to grow and grow a variety of plants. They will explore what constitutes a healthy lifestyle, including eating fruit and vegetables, exercise and teeth brushing. They will find out about life on a farm and about baby animals.

Supporting your child at home

• Visit your local library and find books about farms to share.
• Make a shopping list together and go to the shops to buy the food.
• Grow some quick growing plants or make a cress head.
• Talk about healthy foods.
• Share and discuss the Did you know? resource.