The EYFS simply described is a set of developmental stages for the under 5’s that outlines specific educational and developmental milestones for each early years age group that each child is expected to reach. It is a compulsory framework for almost all under 5 providers in England who are expected to provide opportunities planned around each child’s needs and interests which need regular reviews and assessments.
It was of course no surprise to me when I received JB’s first report based on the EYFS. Areas involving working relationships, speech and listening and attention were meeting much younger age groups developmentally. So based on his levels, I have devised a thorough work plan for him to help him reach the expected levels whilst progressing at his own pace. Progress here is the key word, small steps or large isn’t the issue.
MAINSTREAMIMG
I didn’t want JB mainstreamed expecting him to overnight meet all the expected levels. I’m mainstreaming him to give him the opportunities and exposure of everyday language from his peers, high expectations from teaching staff, behaviour and modelling to emulate, goals to reach and accepted and loved for who he is. We have been shown time after time that children with Down Syndrome do better in mainstream schools, so giving it a good go makes complete sense.
USING THE EYFS TO JB’S ADVANTAGE
As much as the EYFS is criticised for its overly prescriptive and overly assessment demands, I see its point. I think it is particularly useful for parents and teachers of children who have special educational needs. I am using this framework to know which areas of development I need to concentrate on for JB in activities both after school and especially during the upcoming summer holidays. This is to prepare him as best as possible using a variety of activities which repeat a same learning concept in different and creative ways whilst and keeping it flexible.
So at JB’s last assessment combined with my own knowledge of where he is at developmentally and educationally, I have planned a timetable for him which I will share. Firstly, lets look at the EYFS. The EYFS is divided into 7 areas of development which are:
The Prime Areas;
Communication and Language
Physical Development
Personal, social and emotional development
The Secondary areas;
Literacy
Maths
Understanding the world
Expressive arts and design
BREAKING IT DOWN THE EYFS WAY!
These are the specific areas broken down and where JB is at present. These are approximations:
Moving and handling 22-36mths
Health and self-care 22-36mths
Speaking 16-26mths
Understanding 30-50mths
Listening and attention 30-50mths
Managing feelings and behaviour 22-36mths
Self-confidence and awareness 30-50mths
Making relationships 22-36mths
Exploring and using Media 22-36mths
Being Imaginative 22-36mths
People and communities 30-50mths
The world 22-36mths
Technology 30-50mths
Numbers 22-36mths
Shape, space and measure 22-36mths
Reading 30-50mths
Writing 22-36mths
THE SUMMER PLAN
As well as JB’s day to day topics schedule detailed below, outings will address many of the topics and experiences that JB needs, and these will comprise a bulk of the summer. Music is included daily because JB cannot live without it! He shows a great interest in music and this therefore translates into a great need. Books will help to address and reinforce reading, the world, people and communities, numbers, listening and attention, understanding and speaking. Trips to the park, swimming and other forms of exercise will also be incorporated into his daily routine.
Monday
Music and movement
Reading and speech (flash cards)
Maths
Tactile sensory
Managing feelings
Writing and fine motor
Reading
Tuesday
Music and movement
Imaginative play
Maths
ARROW
Speech
Reading
Wednesday
music and movement
writing and fine motor
maths
tactile sensory
managing feelings and behaviour
The world
Language
Speech
Thursday
Music and movement
Imaginative play
Maths
ARROW
Language
Speech
Reading
Friday
Music and movement
Writing and fine motor
Maths
The world
Language
Speech
Reading
Saturday
Music
Gross motor
Maths
ARROW
Tactile sensory
Speech
Reading
This is JB’s plan, designed for him. What I am encouraging is that each of us keeps taking our children a step forward each day, waking them up a little more each hour by being aware of what they need. It is also important to know that they need ‘down time’, meaning after some energetic learning (and all concentrated and experiential learning requires a lot of energy for the brain), we must give our children at least five minutes to relax to let everything process. This goes for typical children as well and this is important to know. Ideally a relaxing walk will help with this, but just letting go is key.
Recommended websites
GOING DEEPER
In my next few blogs, I will detail the activities that I will use with JB for each topic each day. I will include details of resources, techniques and further sources of information for each topic. My next post will cover maths which includes shapes, space and measure as well as numbers. If there is any really good information I am missing, please let me know.
It’s been fun so far, let’s keep moving our children forward together with fun.
Thanks, Cornelia xx