Class 1 2019 - 2020

The EYFS Curriculm:
In class 1 we learn through the EYFS curriculum, which identifies 7 important areas of learning and development, all of which are interconnected. The prime areas are Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Communication and Language and Physical Development. The specific areas are Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design.

The EYFs also highlights certain characteristics of effective learning. These are:

• Playing and exploring

• Active learning

• Creating and thinking critically

……… In order to learn children must engage in play and exploration; they must be encouraged to be active and creative learners who think for themselves.

These characteristics are fundamental, and always inform our planning, teaching and class 1 ethos.

Our Class: What do we do at Hillside?

In a nutshell, in Class 1 children have fun exploring a wide range of sensory, communication, creative and play based activities daily! They access continuous provision and are also encouraged to engage in short group and individual learning tasks. Observation forms the basis for planning and teaching ie finding out children’s interests, strengths etc. There is a balance of child led and adult led tasks, with adult directed tasks being used to teach new skills, build on current skills and consolidate learning.

In class, children learn to sit for both group and independent activities, including beginning work on short tasks carried out at their workstations. They enjoy using I pads and the interactive whiteboard. Children have fun playing and exploring in the different areas of continuous provision, including our role play area and lovely class outdoor area! An enabling environment was identified as important in the EYFs framework and we strive to ensure our classroom environment is engaging and fun.

Children are learning to be more independent, and are working on self-help skills. Some of these skills include learning to use an open cup, using a spoon/fork, brushing teeth and dressing self with greater independence. The EYFS framework states that ‘children develop at their own rates, and in their own way.’ In our class each child is individually supported to develop at their pace and through whichever learning method suits them best. For example, many of our children are visual learners and therefore visual supports/aids are used to support understanding/learning.

Playing and engaging in activities together is encouraged wherever possible, and skills such as turn-taking and sharing are a really important focus for us. Positive relationships are crucial and a large emphasis is placed on ensuring children feel happy, safe and secure, and form caring and trusting relationships with supporting adults in class.

In class 1 we work extremely hard to maintain a friendly, happy and motivating environment, where every child can learn and achieve.

Welcome to our class!

Please see below for information about the EYFS guidance,the EYFS Quality Mark Award and our Class Curriculum.