Big Lessons from Little Learners Sue Cowley @Sue_Cowley www.suecowley.co.uk

What Creates ‘the Gap’? Amount and type of language in the home Opportunities to play, explore, discover Enriching cultural experiences/resources Early experiences of reading and stories Impact of stresses on parenting Medical and genetic factors

Mind the Gap?

What Makes EYFS Different? Focus on play Enabling environments All facets of development Focus on talk and communication Closeness of links with parents

Self Regulation

Self Regulation Behaviour as communication What does the child still need to learn? What could we adapt about our provision? Building self control and independence A focus on intrinsic motivations to behave Less focus on extrinsic mechanisms

Change One Thing? Link rewards to learning Ask: what does this child need? Frame behaviours as a choice Talk about the ‘why’ of behaviour

Freeflow and Forest Club

Free Flow and Forest Club Under 5s should be active for 3 hours a day 5 – 18 year olds for at least 60 minutes a day Interactive, child led, hands on learning Exercise, fresh air, sunlight Phonological awareness Builds independence, risk taking, resilience

Change One Thing? Join the Daily Mile challenge Do a daily Go Noodle session Join the RHS school gardening scheme Find ways to learn outdoors

Next Steps Planning

Next Steps Planning The ultimate in differentiated learning Observe – Assess – Adapt Lesson is a unit but learning is a process Zone of Proximal Development Development Matters A personalised ‘Learning Journey’

Change One Thing? Base some learning on interests Step back; take time to observe Use a portfolio approach Explore what builds on what

Partnerships with Parents

Partnerships with Parents “children’s first and most enduring educators” What did you do at preschool today? Home visit, blog, questionnaire, WOW slips If you build it, they will come … A leap of faith that can pay dividends Ripples out into the wider community

Change One Thing? Reach out constantly, give it time Ask parents what they value And you might even get me! If you don’t ask you won’t get

Useful Links and References www.thedailymile.co.uk/ www.schoolgardening.rhs.org.uk/home www.foundationyears.org.uk/files/2012/03/Development-Matters-FINAL-PRINT-AMENDED.pdf www.gonoodle.com/ www.suecowley.co.uk www.ourpreschool.org.uk