Welcome to Newton Welcome to Newton International SchoolInternational School

Early Years Foundation StageEarly Years Foundation StageParents AfternoonParents Afternoon

2525thth September 2012 September 2012

1:30 – 2:00pm1:30 – 2:00pm

Early Years Foundation StageEarly Years Foundation Stage

The Early Years Foundation Stage at Newton The Early Years Foundation Stage at Newton International School is the period of education International School is the period of education from 3 to 5 years of age. from 3 to 5 years of age.

It is based on the recognition that children learn It is based on the recognition that children learn best through play and active learning.best through play and active learning.

The E.Y.F.S concentrate on developingThe E.Y.F.S concentrate on developing A Unique ChildA Unique Child

Positive RelationshipsPositive Relationships

Enabling EnvironmentEnabling Environment

Learning and DevelopmentLearning and Development

Early Learning GoalsEarly Learning Goals

Communication and language; Communication and language; Physical development; Physical development; Personal, social and emotional development. Personal, social and emotional development.

Literacy; Literacy; Mathematics; Mathematics; Understanding the world;Understanding the world; Expressive arts and design. Expressive arts and design.

Within the theme of Learning and Development there are seven areas.

The Prime Areas are:

The Specific Areas are:

Child Initiated PlayChild Initiated PlayGives children the necessary time Gives children the necessary time

to choose an area that it is to choose an area that it is enjoyable and important to them enjoyable and important to them while simultaneously developing while simultaneously developing

the vital learning and thinking skills the vital learning and thinking skills they need to form the foundation they need to form the foundation

for their academic careers.for their academic careers.

Play nourishes every aspect of Play nourishes every aspect of children’s development—it forms children’s development—it forms

the foundation of intellectual, the foundation of intellectual, social, physical, and emotional social, physical, and emotional skills necessary for success in skills necessary for success in

school and in life. Play “paves the school and in life. Play “paves the way for learning.”way for learning.”

Foundation 1Foundation 1

Play Based Learning through child’s choice and Play Based Learning through child’s choice and adult led activitiesadult led activities

Teachers assess through observation (focus Teachers assess through observation (focus groups)groups)

Through the seven areas of learning, it is vital Through the seven areas of learning, it is vital that children experience it in a holistic way that children experience it in a holistic way through play and other relevant experiences.through play and other relevant experiences.

Develop independence Develop independence

Foundation 2Foundation 2• Whilst continuing to offer play based Whilst continuing to offer play based

learning opportunities Foundation 2 also learning opportunities Foundation 2 also moves towards more structured learning. moves towards more structured learning.

• F2 focuses more on the specific areas as F2 focuses more on the specific areas as well as ensuring prime area goals are well as ensuring prime area goals are achieved.achieved.

• Focus groupsFocus groups

• More emphasis on Literacy (Phonics) and More emphasis on Literacy (Phonics) and Numeracy learning.Numeracy learning.

Learning JourneysLearning Journeys

Your Child’s Learning Journey:Your Child’s Learning Journey:

A learning journey is used to show each child’s A learning journey is used to show each child’s progress towards the early learning goals. progress towards the early learning goals.

The profile is updated regularly throughout the The profile is updated regularly throughout the year. It shows your child’s development and year. It shows your child’s development and which goals he/she have achieved supported which goals he/she have achieved supported by evidence through ongoing observation.by evidence through ongoing observation.

Starts in F1 and continues through to F2.Starts in F1 and continues through to F2.

How Can Parents Help?How Can Parents Help?Parents and carers are their children’s first teachers. When Parents and carers are their children’s first teachers. When

they are with you learning can happen at any time andthey are with you learning can happen at any time andanywhere, for example through:anywhere, for example through:

Being generous with praise and cuddles.Being generous with praise and cuddles.

Reading things together on a daily basis.Reading things together on a daily basis.

Playing games, singing nursery rhymes.Playing games, singing nursery rhymes.

Talking about what you can see all around you Talking about what you can see all around you in both Arabic and English. in both Arabic and English.

Counting the stairs as you go up and down.Counting the stairs as you go up and down.

A few reminders…A few reminders…

School day starts at 7am and finishes School day starts at 7am and finishes at 12:30at 12:30

Parent Waiting AreaParent Waiting Area Parent/Teacher communicationParent/Teacher communication

Correct UniformCorrect Uniform Healthy EatingHealthy Eating

Birthday PartiesBirthday Parties

Thank You for Coming!Thank You for Coming!““Adults who help children to play are Adults who help children to play are

adults who help children to adults who help children to learn.”learn.”