Children are ‘hard-wired’ to learn and they learn best by being active and autonomous – exploring, discovering, creating and taking risks, in other words, by playing. However, formal, subject specific lessons and a focus on data, targets and unrealistic expectations are causing young children to be bored and stressed and this is stifling their learning. Year One in Action reveals the remarkable progress children can make when they are allowed to pursue their own interests, ideas and challenges in a superb and enabling environment supported by responsive, skilled and empathic staff.
Demonstrating how a child-led approach supports the development of purposeful, calm, confident and independent children, this book offers a unique month-by-month insight into the workings of a highly successful Year One class. It covers all aspects of practice from timetabling, adult roles and transitions to the organisation of the classroom and outside area. It tracks the events of each month in the year, paying close attention to the physical environment and the learning that is taking place. Interactions between staff and children are recognised as, and exploited as, teaching opportunities. Throughout the book, Anna Ephgrave gives the reasons behind each decision made. She also explains what the outcomes have been for the children, emphasising that a child-led approach, with planning in the moment, enables rich learning across the curriculum for all children within a meaningful context.
Key features include:
The achievements of these children have been remarkable and they have remained the enthusiastic, independent, happy and unique individuals that they were when they came into Year One. Written by a leading consultant teacher, this book will inspire teachers to be brave and do what is right for children – let them take the lead, trust that they want to learn and above all let them play!
Table of Contents:
ForewordAcknowledgements
IntroductionPedagogy
Brain development and progress
Organisation of the book
Theory into practice
Chapter 1 SeptemberOrganisation
Day oneTimetable
Environment
An enabling environment
Organisation
Behaviour managementConflict resolution
Diary
CakesThe solar systemMending mum’s toyBingoA new pondCrocodiles
Chapter 2 OctoberOrganisation
The weekly routine - focus children and parental involvementLearning journey sheetsParent meetingsPlanning for the rest of the class
Environment
Sand area outdoors
Cooking units indoors
Diary
Sand and cookingLearning journey details
Chapter 3 NovemberOrganisation
Individual folders
Story scribing
Environment
Woodwork area outdoors
Diary
New pets
Diwali and bonfire night
Mathematics everywhere
Surfing
Building a zoo
Story scribing
Chapter 4 DecemberOrganisation
Christmas
Assessments
Environment
Physical development
Creative and physical development
Diary
Family items
Creative projects
Football
Chapter 5 JanuaryOrganisation
A4 learning journey sheets
Specialist areas
Telling the time
Self-assessments
Class monitors
Environment
Specialist creative area
Music and stage area
Diary
Ambitious endeavours in the new creative area
Other interesting events
Equally interesting outdoors!
Chapter 6 FebruaryOrganisation
Timetable changes
The role of the adult
Curriculum coverage
Environment
Specialist science area indoors
Science outdoors
Water investigation area
Diary
The human body
Grouping animals
Non-fiction books
Mixtures and potions
Funky fountain
Clay
Electricity
Technological toys
The science of sound
Bee-Bot challenge
Ice
Chapter 7 MarchOrganisation
Assessments and moderation
Review of timetable and structure of the day
Environment
Specialist cooking area
Small construction and ‘small world’ equipment
Large construction outdoors
Snack area outdoors
Diary
Volcanos
Fruit smoothies
Pyramids
Wind sock
Blue Batman mask
How strong is a Bee-Bot?
Paper boats
What is inside a dinosaur?
Chapter 8 AprilOrganisation
A new structure to the day
Challenges are optional
New approach to focus children and parent meetings
Environment
History
Geography
Diary
Another dead mouse!
A wormery
Interests persist – sewing
Chicks in Reception
Money, money, money
Mathematical wow moment
Animals
Ruth and Maisie
Beegu
Chapter 9 MayOrganisation
Speech and language
Environment
The growing area
Diary
Gymnastics
Responsibilities are enjoyed
These children are still so young
Beegu challenges continue
The Beast needs a friend!
Chapter 10 JuneOrganisation
Timetable remains unchanged
Phonics screening test
Environment
Mid kitchen
Transition from Reception to Year One
Diary
The Lonely Beast
PSE focus in many challenges
Obstacles
Adult-led but still engaging
A new arrival in the garden
A trip to the zoo
Chapter 11 JulyOrganisation
Transition
Progress
Environment
Review and reflect
Diary
Harvest and eat!
Young children don’t always need to sit and write
Den building
Escape!
Woodwork skills develop
Other materials available
Conclusion
Appendix A Ferre Laevers' levels of involvement
Appendix B Cooking design sheet
Appendix C Autumn Term focus child letter
Appendix D Learning journey
Appendix E Cake recipe book
Appendix F Story scribing
Appendix G Story map
Appendix H Woodwork design sheet
Appendix I Suppliers
Appendix J Spring term focus child letter
Appendix K Science design sheet
Appendix L Report sheet
Appendix M Creative design sheet
Bibliography
