The British Early Years Foundation Stage
Curriculum (EYFS)
The British EYFS curriculum at Acorn nursery focuses on fostering
holistic development in children. It encompasses some key
areas including communication, physical development
and expressive arts providing a well rounded and child
centered approach to early education.
We nurture every stage of learning from 2 months to 4 years.
Willow
Chestnut
Maple
Elm
Cedar
Oak
Reggio Emilia Inspired Approach
Our Reggio Emilia inspired approach nurtures children through child led
inquiry based learning, fostering, creativity. It values each child unique
capabilities encouraging exploration and self expression in a supporting
environment.
By combining elements of the EYFS framework with the principles of the Reggio Emilia approach, we have created a nurturing and stimulating nursery environment that supports the holistic development of 1-2 year old children. Flexibility, creativity, and a deep respect for the capabilities and interests of young children are key principles are kept in mind when designing and implementing the lessons.
We Incorporate natural materials such as wood, stone, and plants to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.We have used soft, neutral colours on walls and furnishings to promote a sense of calmness.Created cosy corners with cushions and rugs where children can relax and explore books or sensory materials.
There are designated areas for various types of play and learning, such as a sensory area with textures and materials to explore, a quiet area for reading and relaxation, and an active play area for gross motor development. Furniture and materials are child sized and easily movable to encourage independence and exploration.
There is ample outdoor space for children to explore and connect with nature.The learning process takes places indoors and outdoors at all times.
We use natural elements such as sandboxes, mud kitchens, and gardening areas, water area to stimulate sensory experiences and encourage exploration.
We use Tapestry application to track their progress and documentation of their learning experiences to make learning visible and foster reflection among teachers, parents, and children.
We offer a variety of sensory materials and experiences such as water play, sand play, and sensory bins filled with different textures and objects.Encourage children to explore their senses through music, movement, and hands on activities.
We foster strong relationships among children, educators, and families by creating opportunities for meaningful interactions and communication.Open communication between the parents and teachers is encouraged.
We ensure that the environment is safe and hygienic by regularly cleaning and sanitizing toys, surfaces, and materials.Create designated areas for diaper changing, handwashing, and storing personal belongings.
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Age:
2-3 years
Time:
9:00-11:00
What Is It?
Learning Through Play
Learning through play is the process of giving children the opportunity to learn through the first hand experience of engaging in tasks that capture their imagination.
Your children will tell you they are "just playing". In practice, it is more structured and purposeful than they appreciate.
Staff supervise the play at all times, so it is safe, constructive, and models positive behaviour. They gently guide the children, using encouragement and suggestions, to challenge them and extend their learning.
Why Is It Important?
Learning through play is far more central to the development of young children than many parents realise. It promotes confidence, imagination and creativity while building so many essential skills.
Research has clearly demonstrated that, in the early years, a play based approach is far more effective than the traditional instructional method of teaching. It is particularly strong at developing those core attributes of thinking, concentrating, and creative problem solving that are fundamental to further learning.
Learning Through Play At Acorn
Indoor and outdoor areas are sub divided into learning areas. Each areas has its own equipment and resources to encourage a particular kind of activity, and these are frequently changed.
Children are encouraged to become actively involved in hands on activities. These are fun and engaging, while helping them to link new concepts to ideas they already understand.
Sensory activities are used to encourage open ended exploration by seeing, smelling, hearing and touching. We incorporate scoops, shovels, spoons and tweezers. This all helps with developing motor skills. Communication and language skills are developed through discussion, communication, and teamwork. Children learn to express themselves, and increase their vocabulary.
Numicon shapes are used as a hands on way to learn pre maths skills through play. They are easy for our youngest children to manipulate, using them to learn colours, sorting, and eventually counting. Our older children use them for building towers, comparing sizes of sets, sequencing, following or making patterns and eventually for counting, addition and subtraction.
Loose Parts
In early years education, playing with loose parts is an excellent way to stimulate the Imagination, creativity, and curiosity if children. They can be used for:
Art and design
laying them out in shapes and artistic designs to form a pattern or picture
Early math skills
they can be counted, sorted by size or colour, added to and subtracted from.
Manipulative skills
they can be stacked, lined up, or piled high
Used in games and competitions
where the children negotiate the objective and the rules amongst themselves
What Are Loose Parts?
It is a collection of items that are similar, but also have differences. The differences are often in size, colour, texture or shape.
Common examples of loose parts are stones, sticks, blocks, buttons and shells. They should be small enough for young hands to manipulate with ease, but large enough to avoid a choking hazard.
When presented with a collection of loose parts, children love to sort them, count them or make something out of them.
With no rules and no "correct answer", they make a lovely open ended learning opportunity for young children.
Loose Parts Around The Nursery
You will find frequent examples of loose parts around the nursery, usually displayed in open topped, natural baskets made of wood, raffia, or cloth.
As with all equipment, the loose parts are stored at child height in the classroom, so they can select for themselves what they wish to play with.
