Early Years
How we teach in Early Years
There are a variety of methods used to teach our children in the Early Years. We use a mix of adult led, adult initiated, whole class and small group methods. We have a book-based curriculum that incorporates all of these approaches, but we also place high value on child-initiated learning. In addition to this we have adopted sequences of learning to support our teaching of phonics, maths, handwriting and RE.
At Norton St Nicholas we value the opportunities that a play-based approach to learning can bring. We also know the importance the environment and adults play within this approach and take various steps to ensure its success for our pupils.
Child initiated learning at Norton St Nicholas is referred to as ‘Discovery Time’. In Nursery there are at least three hours of protected uninterrupted Discovery time each day and in Reception there are at least two hours each day. The outdoor learning environment at Norton St Nicholas is referred to as ‘The Garden’. During Discovery Time children have access to both the garden and indoor area.
Aims
When children leave Early Years at Norton St Nicholas they will:
- Achieve the Early Learning Goals.
- Be curious.
- Take on new challenges.
- Look after their world and the people in it.
- Be confident learners.
What we teach
Reading
In Early Years, the primary focus of our teaching of reading is to ensure all children are able to decode words so they can read fluently. This is done through:
- Daily phonics sessions -These are critical so that children can understand what sounds are and how they can be blended together to read words, then sentences. Phonics is taught systematically and should include whole word recognition and phoneme awareness. We teach phonics through the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds scheme.
- Guided reading groups (also known as Book Club) – This is a planned guided reading session for each child to ensure the development of word recognition (in context) and language comprehension. There is a clear teaching sequence (intro, strategy check, independent reading (including pre-read) and return and respond) and ‘double dosing’ of target groups, which has proved to be very effective for progress.
- Individual reading (daily for those who need it)
- Curriculum texts - Each topic we explore in Early Years is linked to a range of key texts. Children are supported to explore these books, with a particular focus on new vocabulary linked to their learning.
Writing
Throughout Early Years, a significant emphasis is placed on the fine and gross motor skills that are required for writing. By the end of Nursery, children will have been given a wide range of opportunities for meaningful mark-making and taught how to write their own name.
In Reception, children begin our handwriting scheme, which teaches children to form all letters correctly. Alongside this, there are taught writing opportunities within our phonics lessons, where children are supported to spell words by identifying the sounds in them. By the end of Reception, we expect children to be able to write sentences and phrases independently.
A wide range of writing opportunities are provided throughout nursery and reception for mark-making and writing through our book based curriculum.
Mathematics
Nursery
In Nursery, children are taught a range of underpinning knowledge and skills in short teaching sessions, as well as through their play and discover. This focuses on:
- Using finger numbers up to 5.
- Subitising to 5.
- Identifying more and less.
- Exploring length, mass and capacities.
- Finding and continuing patterns.
- Selecting shapes for different purposes.
Reception
In reception, there is a significant focus on mastering the basic skills of number up to 10 as outlined below. More detail of what this looks like from week-to-week can be found here.
Wider Curriculum
Our Early Years Curriculum has been created using a book-based approach. Each book inspires a range of activities that develop the skills and knowledge the children require. Topics covered through our curriculum are listed below.
Religious Education
Nursery
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Reception
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