EYFS

The EYFS Curriculum

At Willow Tree we believe children learn best through playing and exploring. Children are encouraged to become independent learners through a balance of child initiated and adult led activities.

There are seven areas of learning and development in the EYFS curriculum, three prime and four specific.

Prime Areas

Communication and language development involves giving children opportunities to experience a rich language environment; to develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves; and to speak and listen in a range of situations.

Physical development involves providing opportunities for young children to be active and interactive; and to develop their co-ordination, control, and movement. Children must also be helped to understand the importance of physical activity, and to make healthy choices in relation to food.

Personal, social and emotional development involves helping children to develop a positive sense of themselves, and others; to form positive relationships and develop respect for others; to develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings; to understand appropriate behaviour in groups; and to have confidence in their own abilities.

Specific Areas

Literacy development involves encouraging children to link sounds and letters and to begin to read and write. Children are given access to a wide range of reading materials to ignite their interest.

We use the Read Write Inc phonics scheme to teach daily phonics sessions.

Mathematics involves providing children with opportunities to develop and improve their skills in counting, understanding and using numbers, calculating simple addition and subtraction problems; and to describe shapes, spaces, and measures.

Understanding the world involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the environment.

Expressive arts and design involves enabling children to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials, as well as providing opportunities and encouragement for sharing their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of activities in art, music, movement, dance, role-play, and design and technology.

EYFS Useful links

Nursery

Book Trust best books for 0-5 years:

https://www.booktrust.org.uk/booklists/1/100-best-0-5/

Songs to sing together:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06kbsbz

Reception

Book Trust best books for 0-5 years

https://www.booktrust.org.uk/booklists/1/100-best-0-5/

Songs to sing together:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06kbsbz

Read Write Inc – Sound pronunciation Guide