Writing in the Nursery - From Steps to Stones
In the picture above the child is engaging
in an activity that will support development
of hand-to-eye co-ordination. (ss-1)
In our School Nursery, we use the
'The Curriculum Guidance' for the Foundation Stage, (the foundation stage of learning for 3 to 5 yr olds) this is the statuary curriculum for reception classes. We plan to meet the objectives for children through 'well planned' - 'quality' experiences.
The stepping stones are not age-related and children may progress through them at different rates and in different ways.
WRITING | HAND-WRITING |
Draw and paint, sometimes giving meanings to marks Ss-1 | Engage in activities requiring hand-eye co-ordination Use one-handed tools and equipment Ss-1 |
Ascribe meanings to marks ss-2 | Draw lines and circles using gross motor movement Manipulate objects with increasing control ss-2 |
Begin to break the flow of speech into words Using writing as a means of recording and communicating ss-3 | Begin to use anticlockwise movement and retrace vertical lines Begin to form recognisable letters ss-3 |
Use their phonic knowledge to write simple regular words and phonetically plausible attempts at more complex words Attempt writing for different purposes? using features of different forms such as lists, stories and instructions Write their own names and other things such as labels and captions and begin to form simple sentences, sometimes using punctuation ELG | Use a pencil and hold it effectively to form recognisable letters, most of which are correctly formed ELG |
STEPPING STONES TO EARLY LEARNING GOALS
v The stepping stones show the knowledge, skills, understanding and attitudes children need to gain during the Foundation Stage.
v The Early Learning Goals form the final stepping stones which children are expected to have reached by the END of the reception year. Many children may have reached these goals before the end of the reception year, and will be consolidating and extending their understanding through well planned play activities, and experiences.
v Children will move through the stepping stones, continually acquiring, practising and refining knowledge, skills, understanding and attitudes. This will be through a range of active, first-hand experiences.
v If young children are to become interested, confident and motivated learners, they need stimulating and enjoyable experiences as they move through the stepping stones.
