Areas of Learning
Acorns works within the framework of the Foundation Stage Curriculum for Early Years, which is applicable for children aged 3-5 years (Pre-School to the end of Reception Class). It covers six areas of learning:
Communication, language and literacy
Children are encouraged to extend their vocabulary and fluency by talking and listening and by hearing and responding to stories, songs and rhymes. They are helped to understand that written symbols carry meaning, to be aware of the purpose of writing, and when they are ready, to use drawn and written symbols independently. They will be encouraged to become familiar with books and to handle them appropriately and be aware as to their uses as both a source of stories and pictures and for reference.
Personal social and emotional development
The children are supported to develop confidence, autonomy and self-respect. They are encouraged to work and concentrate independently and to share and co-operate with other children and adults. Through activities and practical example they learn acceptable ways of expressing their own needs and feelings and learn to respect those of others. All children as appropriate are encouraged to take responsibility for themselves and for the group and its property.
Problem solving, reasoning and numeracy
Through adult supported experiences the children become familiar with the sorting, matching, ordering, sequencing and counting activities that form the basis for early mathematical development. They will be supported to use their developing understanding to solve practical problems, and will be introduced to the language of mathematics: identifying objects by size, shape, position, volume and number. If they become ready they will be introduced to simple mathematical operations such as adding.
Knowledge and understanding of the world
Children are allowed to observe and explore a wide range of materials, both natural and manufactured, within their environment. They can learn to recognise similarities, differences and patterns and to record their findings. Children are encouraged to respect other people and to expect respect for themselves. Under supervision they are allowed to extend their technological knowledge by using a range of simple tools.
Physical development
A safe and supervised environment both indoors and out allows the children to develop confidence and enjoyment in the use of their own bodies and to meet challenges with an increasing level of skill. They will also develop the fine motor skills that they will need to handle tools and small objects, and begin to develop an awareness of their bodies and what keeps them healthy.
Creative development
The children are encouraged to explore shape, texture and colour in both two and three dimensions using a wide range of materials. They will be encouraged to express their ideas and responses in a variety of media and will be encouraged to use their inventiveness and imagination in role-play and musical activities.
At Winsley Acorns we take a play and topic based approach to the curriculum which allows the children to access the areas of learning in a fun and relaxed way.
Copies of the Foundation Stage curriculum are available to parents. The planned curriculum is outlined in each term’s newsletter and the full curriculum is always available to see.