The Foundation Phase in WalesMain aims:

- Create independent learners - Learning through play- Learn when they are developmentally ready

Effective learning in the foundation phase

There is an increased partnership with home *link activities with home in assignment*

Active learning – physically and mentally

Hands on experiences that are meaningful and will be remembered. Eg; baptising a teddy bear or a mock marriage.

Ownership of classroom areas

Language – activities should be rich in language, both speaking and listening.

Sensory and interactive helps transfer short term to long term memory via the hippocampus in the brain.

The foundation phase is a welsh government reform. Early Years > KS1 > Foundation Phase

Ages 3-7

Built on research from Scandinavian countries and aspects of the curriculum

Based on aspects of learning. The seven areas include subject skills.

Unique to Wales *IN ASSIGNMENT COMPARE FOUNDATION PHASE TO ENGLISH/SCOTTISH EQUIVALENT.

Childs development is central to learning.

Previously in early years stage – age related outcomes

Now in foundation phase – developmental outcomes

The foundation phase curriculum is based on developing children’s experiences and skills through speaking and listening, interacting with others and when the child is ready, they begin and are able to record their work.

It meets the diverse needs of all children.

Relevant – relate it to something they want to know

Meaningful experiences – skills are developed through active learning.

Foundation phase aims to

- Raise children’s standards if achievement – self-esteem and standard of work - Enhance positive attitudes to learning - Address children’s developing needs - Encourage lifelong learning - Help become active citizens in the community.

MEEIFP 2006 discusses the initial evaluation of the foundation phase (WAG bias?)

WISERD 2012-2015 – independent evaluation

It was felt that children were pushed into formal education too early. The foundation phase philosophy is based on the Reggio Emilia approach.

Learning involves active construction (doing something) of meaning and understanding.

Methods include learning with others (social constructivism)

Learning on your own (constructivism)

Piaget vs Vygotsky http://psychology.wikia.com/wiki/Similarities_%26_differences_between_Piaget_%26_Vygotsky_theories.

Foundation phase triangle of provision:

Continuous provision – Areas within the class that do not change, eg, reading area consistently there.

Enhanced – Adding resources to the continuous provison

Focused provision – Teaching new skills

Then observing the play that follows to see if new skills are incorporated into it.