EYFS Areas of learning and development
There are seven areas of learning and development which shape educational programmes in early years’ settings.
Three areas are particularly crucial for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, and for building their capacity to learn, form relationships and thrive. These three areas, the prime areas, are:
- communication and language;
- physical development;
- personal, social and emotional development.
Our reception children are also supported in four specific areas, through which the three prime areas are strengthened and applied. The specific areas are:
- literacy;
- mathematics;
- understanding the world;
- expressive arts and design.
The year has begun with the topic of ‘Marvellous Me’ and then will move on to ‘Dear Zoo’ before half term. The topics are planned to meet the interests of individual pupils and the class; objectives are set according to on-going assessment linked to the early learning goals.
Communication and language development gives 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; to develop their co-ordination, control, and movement. Children must also be taught to understand the importance of physical activity, and to make healthy choices in relation to food.
Personal, social and emotional development helps children to develop a positive sense of themselves, and others; to form positive relationships and to develop respect for others. Children will develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings, they will learn how to behave when working in a group, as part of a team. Children will also be encouraged to have confidence in their own abilities.
Literacy development involves encouraging children to link sounds (phonemes) to letters (graphemes) to develop their early reading and writing. Children must be given access to a wide range of reading materials (books, poems, and other written materials) to interest and intrigue them.
In mathematics we provide children with opportunities to develop and improve their skills in counting, understanding and using numbers, recognising numbers and calculating simple addition and subtraction problems. The children also spend time learning 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 enables 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