help with planning

[Heidi]

Originally Posted by nettie

Hi just wondering if any one could help me with how there show were the children are at in development when starting the setting
e.g. starting points
we have the developments matters that we use for putting information on photo's etc
but have been told need something to show there starting points

Observations -you need to start by observing a child to know what to provide for a child; otherwise how else do you know what stage they are at now? their individual needs and what interests then?

You may need to do more than one observation, if you just do one 'snap shot' (short written observation) you will not build a picture up of the child.
You need to do at least a few short observations at different times of the day or session - that will show things such as how do they like to start the morning, do they get stuck straight in? or do they like to observe to see where everyone is, what are others doing etc.

Watching/observing a child at different times will show you what they like to do, some children like to start the session with a routine they have carved out themselves by going over to a certain area every morning such a quiet book corner where they can observe themselves until ready to do whatever, they may like to be close to an adult but still playing, or having a story read to them.

Your starting points will be from your observations; so from observing a child that has just started with you, you may have noticed that they need the reassurance of an adult, are happy to play on their own, alongside, or with other children. If you look at your efys pack (order one from teachernet if you haven't got one) you will be able to match it up with the stage they are at and the learning area. There you will find lots of suggestions for the next steps - but remember they are only just suggestions, so you can plan or adapt for each individual child. You may have observed a child has a particular schema (i.e.transportation, enveloping etc), so as you plan the next steps you can incorporate this into your planning.

As well as observing, having a good relationship and sharing information with parents will help the child and you. talk over things with colleagues, sometimes a different perspective can help, or they may have seen something you haven't and keep reading the eyfs book it will help you.