The Foundation Phase
The Foundation Phase is the statutory curriculum for 3 to 7 year olds in Wales. It is the policy for early years education. Stated by researchers of the Welsh Assembly government (2013)
'It advocates a developmental, experiential, play-based approach to teaching and learning.'
Introduction to the Foundation Phase
The Foundation Phase Approach
In Wales children start school between 3-4 years old. Some may argue that this is a young age for children to start school. The foundation phase approach focuses on the children learning from experiences and being actively involved in their learning. It has 7 areas of learning relevant to their development ,it's aims are to develop each child's skills and understanding. There is an importance of the children learning through play even if it is in the child's interest to play individually or with friends. The foundation phase provides opportunities for children to explore the world around them using indoor and outdoor learning environments to gain knowledge and understanding of their world.
The children develop a range of personal and social skills through interacting with other children, which then improves their understanding of language and communication. The Foundation phase emphasises on using a hands on approach , the children then 'learn by doing' and are more motivated to learn.
The children will develop skills in the foundation phase which will be vital for their future development. Learning through play is one of the key features of the foundation phase approach. Where children will learn a variety of skills whilst playing, a child's confidence, team building and social skills will grow when role playing. The children will gain an understanding of numeracy when playing shop for example, the child will learn to hand over money to the shop assistant to buy a product, even if the child does not yet know how to count. The children's gross motor skills will improve when engaging in physical play whilst building dens, running and skipping outside or riding trikes for example. Play is the most natural process for children where they use mind and body, it can be a very deep process for children to express themselves. There is that vital connection between play and learning. According to Tina Bruce 'Play acts as a forward feed mechanism into courageous, creative, rigorous thinking in adulthood.'
Role of the Teacher
The role of the teacher in the foundation phase is to observe the children and not interfere with their play. The teacher should support children's understanding of learning through teaching in a safe and secure environment. Teachers can then asses the children whilst they are playing. Most of the children are comfortable and their natural self when playing and language tends to flow better when they are socialising. The teachers can then truly asses their capabilities and only when the child is ready he can then move on to his next target stage.Teachers realise that all children are on various learning levels and individually need help in different areas.Teachers use various tools such as puppetry to tell stories , or to get the children to listen in circle time teachers will pass an object or animal around the circle so that every child will have the chance to converse. The teachers will also be involved in the circle time and sit at the same level as the children and give positive feedback to each child. The use of songs and rhymes are important in the foundation phase because it motivates the children to interact with each other and they then use songs and rhymes as a way of communicating.Teachers are there to encourage children to be actively,motivated learners which will then encourage social development.
My Experience
Through working in a school for a year and currently on placement in Ysgol Gymraeg Y Cwm, I have been able to observe the learning throughout the foundation phase.
Classrooms are colourful and full of learning attractions for the children. Teachers are there to structure certain play and support children's learning. There are different stations in the reception classroom for example a sand pit and water pit where children can come and go when they choose to . There is also a painting section for children to be creative when painting or drawing a picture. Everything is child friendly and child size. There are computers with head phones where children can sit and play interactive games and listen to stories being read to them. There is a little cookery station where children enjoy role playing for example, playing house.
Recently whilst on placement, the children where being taught through the pie corbett technique where the use of auditory and visuals are key. In this particular school there were pictures on the technical white board about the story of the birth of Jesus. The children through using this technique had learnt the story off by heart and could recite the story perfectly. They used actions and symbols to help them remember the story . This technique supports the children's learning and proves that they should see ,use symbols/pictures and gestures before writing tasks. It also supports children with different types of learning styles for example visual learners.
References
Welsh Government,(2014)Foundation Phase.http://wales.gov.uk/topics/educationandskills/earlyyearshome/foundation-phase/?lang=en (Accessed:11 November 2014).
Welsh Government,(2008)The Learning Country: Vision into Action.
http://wales.gov.uk/topics/educationandskills/publications/guidance/learningcountry/?lang=en (Accessed:16 July 2008)
Welsh Government,(2013) Evaluating the Foundation Phase: The Outcomes of Foundation Phase Pupils. Report 1.
http://wales.gov.uk/docs/caecd/research/130717-evaluating-foundation-phase-outcomes-pupils-report-1-en.pdf (Accessed:2013)
Dcells document. The Learning Country: Foundation Phase Action Plan.
http://wales.gov.uk/docs/dcells/publications/120419fpactionen.pdf
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