Communication, Language & Literacy
We develop a foundation in numeracy by introducing mathematical language to play, describing shape, position and quantity. With the use of the 10 Town scheme we introduce numbers with a character with its own story, rhyme and song.
Our aim is to develop a foundation in literacy, giving the child the opportunity to be competent in talking and listening, becoming early readers and writers. This is encouraged with circle times, giving the child chances to increase their vocabulary and express their thoughts.
From a very early age we assist the children in their speech, comprehension and listening skills through stories, rhymes, songs, poems, role-play etc.
This enables them to use a growing vocabulary with increasing fluency to express thoughts and convey meaning to the listener.
They will begin to associate sounds with patterns in rhymes, with syllables, and with words and letters, recognise their own names and some familiar words.
Children copy both peers and adults mimicking gestures and phrases with increasing ability. In small and large groups, children listen attentively and talk about their experiences.
They listen and respond to stories, songs, nursery rhymes and poems. They make up their own stories and take part in role play with confidence.
Children enjoy books and handle them carefully, understanding how they are organised. They know that words and pictures carry meaning and that English print is read from left to right and from top to bottom.
They begin to associate sounds with patterns in rhymes, with syllables, and with words and letters. They recognise their own names and some familiar words.
They begin to recognise letters of the alphabet by shape and sound. In their writing they use pictures, symbols, familiar words and letters, to communicate meaning, showing awareness of some of the different purposes of writing.
They begin to write their names with appropriate use of upper and lower case letters.
Through practical activities the children are introduced to early reading, writing and literacy skills such as:
- The phonics reading scheme
- Letter land reading scheme
- Whole word recognition
- Stories
- Books
- Poems
- Rhymes
- Puppets
- Tapes
- Role play
- Dot to dot
- Finger painting
- Writing with fingers in the sand
- Pencils and pens
- Chalks and charcoal