Get Ready for School
This is a unique resource for all parents of young children as well as for Early Years staff as a CPD opportunity.
The DVD
- Explains the importance of the ‘Foundation Skills for Formal Learning’ – pre-requisites for learning to write, read, do maths, socialise & play sport WELL.
- Shows examples of children with and without some of the ‘Foundation Skills’.
- Demonstrates playful activities as examples to inspire staff and parents – to show it can be fun and easy helping children develop some of the skills.
The DVD also includes:
An Information Booklet packed with details of useful resources and web addresses.
A website with free downloadable supporting materials.
An on-line internet ‘Implementation’ Forum to share experiences and outcomes.
Details of the 4 chapters comprising the DVD are contained in the tabs.
Chapter 1: An overview of the pre-requisite skills for reading, writing and maths
Based on child development research, we can help a child succeed with reading, writing and maths if we focus first on the Foundation Skills that underpin all formal learning. This section includes examples of children in the classroom and pre-school setting who are unable to display these skills. It is explained how they are struggling with formal learning showing they are not yet developmentally ready. As a comparison, children who are developmentally ready are also shown in classroom, pre-school, gymnasium and outdoor settings having mastered the Foundation Skills – and are already happily beginning to learn to read and to write.
Playing time approx 15 minutes.
Chapter 2: A closer look at ‘The Foundation Skills for Formal Learning’
Reflex development (baby or primitive and postural reflexes), proprioceptive and sensory integration and the relationship between movement and learning are explained in detail:
- Gross and fine motor skills.
- Vestibular system (balance), coordination, body and spatial awareness.
- Crossing the body midlines.
- Hand/eye coordination and pencil grip.
- Auditory and visual processing.
The under-developed skills are highlighted using a baseline assessment and methods of catching up are suggested including a PMP – perceptual motor programme approach.
Playing time approx 15 minutes.
Chapter 3: ‘Foundation Skills’ activities for pre-schoolers and KS1
A demonstration of a range of kinaesthetic (physical) activities and action songs all within guided ‘play with a purpose’ that can be used by educators and parents to help move children towards becoming physically and developmentally ready for formal learning.
- Involve active learning – encouraging the children to suggest and discuss what they experience.
- Include indoor and outdoor settings.
- Use standard equipment or resources readily available in Nursery and Pre-school.
- Offer plenty of creative ideas and methods to build around the play activities already used in Nursery and Pre-school.
- Are aimed mainly at children 3 – 5 years of age.
- 40 different activities as examples to help develop the Foundation Skills through Play with a Purpose by:
- Reflex maturation and postural development.
- Vestibular (balance) stimulation.
- Sensory, Tactile (touch) and proprioceptive stimulation.
- Gross Motor development including Spatial Awareness, Crossing Midlines, Laterality, Directionality and the Integration of Left and Right Brain Hemispheres.
- Fine Motor, Eye-Hand Co-ordination and finger strength for pencil grip.
- Auditory, Visual development and Language acquisition.
- With the additional understanding of the Foundation Skills and their importance, Staff can:
- Observe how the children are able to perform these activities then encourage, coach and guide as appropriate – feeling confident enough to explain to parents.
- Ensure that a wide enough range of activities is used to help the development of all the Foundation Skills.
Playing time approx 20 minutes.
Chapter 4: ‘Foundation Skills’ activities for Early Years and Primary School
A demonstration of a range of kinaesthetic (physical) activities and action songs all within a guided ‘play with a purpose’ approach. These can be used by educators to help children become physically and developmentally ready for formal learning.
- In the classroom, Gym Hall and Playground.
- Offer plenty of creative ideas and methods to assist the child in developing the Foundation Skills.
- Are aimed at children 5-7 years of age. Older children may require more individual help and the accompanying Booklet includes some useful information and contact details.
- 36 different activities as examples to help develop the Foundation Skills through Play with a Purpose by:
- Reflex maturation and postural development.
- Vestibular (balance) stimulation.
- Sensory, Tactile (touch) and proprioceptive stimulation.
- Gross Motor development including Spatial Awareness, Crossing Midlines, Laterality, Directionality and the Integration of Left and Right Brain Hemispheres.
- Fine Motor, Eye-Hand Co-ordination and finger strength for pencil grip.
- Auditory, Visual development and Language acquisition.
- With the additional understanding of the Foundation Skills and their importance, Staff can:
- Consider how each activity can help the child build one or more Foundation Skills.
- Then observe how the child is able to perform the activity and how to appropriately encourage, coach and guide the child towards success.
- Ensure that a wide enough range of activities is used to help the development of all the Foundation Skills.
- Involve Active Learning – by encouraging the children to notice and discuss what they experience in relation to improvements in their Formal Learning skills.
Playing time approx 20 minutes.
Producer / Director: Robyn Cox. © 2008 Robyn Cox
