Articles with tips and advice specifically for teachers of young children.
Three things to consider when assessing Communication and Language in the Early Years Assessment in the Early Years has undergone somewhat of a transformation over the past few years and excessive assessment documentation for the sake of a certain *cough cough* official bodies are no longer (though arguably never was) advised within early years settings … Read more
Learning to read is often used as a very broad term when it comes to teaching and learning, however, learning to read can be broken down into two very distinctive strands: word recognition and language comprehension. In order to teach children to read, teaching and learning strategies must take into account both of these strands, … Read more
Tinsel, nativities and just a little too much glitter: Christmas time the early years can be the best – and worst – of times. I’m here to give you some practical support in managing behavioural expectations in the Early Years (and any other classroom!) at Christmas! If you have been in the game for a … Read more
As we enter the final half term of the autumn, celebrations and festivals dominate the EYFS and school calendar; and whether it’s a time of year that fills you with the festive spirit or a few weeks you’d rather hide in the back of Santa’s Grotto, schools and nurseries across the land will be dusting … Read more
There’s no doubt that the days are getting shorter, colder and wetter but despite this, autumn is a fantastic time to get out and enjoy the changing season. Autumn treasures are a great way to engage early years children in their learning and explore nature: crunching leaves, conker shells and acorns found on the ground … Read more
Observations in EYFS are a key piece of the puzzle. This is because they allow us to link up past and future learning, assess progress and learn more about children’s needs and interests. 2.1 In their interactions with children, practitioners should respond to their own day-to-day observations about children’s progress and observations that parents and … Read more
What is Assessment? All assessment in the EYFS falls into two categories, formative and summative. Formative Assessment: Arguably the most important type of assessment. Often referred to as “Assessment for Learning”. This informs your teaching and enables you to ensure learning progression. Summative Assessment: An “Assessment of Learning”. This creates data, giving a snapshot measure … Read more
Starting school is one of the most significant milestones of childhood. It can bring excitement and anticipation as children begin the next step of their educational journeys. But it can also provoke anxieties amongst children, parents… and teachers! Here are my top tips for settling children into Reception! There are so many challenges associated with … Read more
So, your children have settled into new routines and are happy coming into and engaging with their new environment. You know about your children from parents, previous settings and from your interactions. What’s next? How do you know the starting point of each child’s learning journey? How will you ensure you are building on children’s … Read more
As the holidays enter the final few weeks (in England and Wales) and you start to turn your attention back to your new cohort, I have some tips and ideas to get you preparing for September in EYFS. Some of you may prefer to stay switched off until September, some may have been ready before … Read more
Have you been sat with a blank planning grid in front of you, for what feels like hours, trying to decide “what to plan” for next year? Maybe you are feeling confusion about which approach is best? Or perhaps you’re still scratching your head at the DfE saying “plan your own curriculum”? I hear you! … Read more
The end of term is busy, in fact it’s manic!! But finding the time to have a high quality and gentle transition process eases anxiety for everyone! Here’s my top tips for getting the most out of your new reception class’ move up days. Transition to Reception is a process and not a single event … Read more