7 areas of learning

SEVEN AREAS OF LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT INFORMATION SHEET

I am committed to meeting the statutory and guidance requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Part of this is related to children’s learning and development and recognises seven main areas with three prime areas (**) which I will use in my observations, assessments and planning.


**Communication and Language
Children are given 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.

Children are encouraged to talk in the house and a number of activities are set up to help children talk as they play. Children may be invited to play with puppets or set up a picnic for the soft toys on the carpet.

**Physical Development
All children are helped to develop their physical co-ordination and movement. This may be by having opportunities to climb, slide and ride in the playground or by learning how to use finer motor skills such as scissors, pouring, threading, handling small toys and puzzle pieces or rolling and kneading dough. Children are also helped to understand the importance of physical activity and to make healthy choices in relation to food.

**Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Children are helped 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.

Literacy
Literacy development involves encouraging children to link sounds and letters and to begin to read and write. Children will be given access to a wide range of reading materials (books, poems, and other written materials) to ignite their interest.


Mathematics
Between 0-5 years old children begin to learn to count and to recognise shapes and talk about where things are (on top of, underneath etc). They also begin to learn about measuring, weighing and capacity. Children are encouraged to use counting in their play (for example counting the bricks in their towers). Sand and water play, puzzles, threading numbers, making patterns all help children to learn the first skills of mathematics.

Understanding the World
Young children are interested in the world around them. They are helped to find out about their environment and learn to describe what they see during many visits and trips to the local area. They may explore all sorts of textures in collage, talk about their families, find out about different food, mix colours and watch ice melting. All sorts of activities encourage children to look and ask questions.

Expressive Arts and Design
Children are helped to explore different ways of using and expressing their imaginations. There is always the chance to role play and paint or draw. Children regularly have the opportunity to explore different art techniques such as collage or printing. We will also have musical focuses and the children learn and sing simple songs and rhymes throughout the week.