Early Learning and Child Development

Early learning is a key aspect of child development. Right from birth, or even before, children can benefit from early learning. Most of this is through play and preschool activities, however in recent times parents have been neglecting the development their child's abilities by in effect reducing their early learning. The effects are all too apparent to Early years (see here) Teachers at the Foundation Stage.

The Problem

Teachers and Educational Psychologists have noted that children on entering Reception are not acquiring the abilities previously expected of them through early learning. Indeed more than half the children tested in one County failed to achieve the expected goals on entry to Reception Class. These failings carry forward with children being unable to concentrate in class and also lacking in their motor skills (poor co-ordination).

Possible cause

It cannot be denied that pre school children do not engage in as many preschool activities as they once did. Running around is frowned upon and many parents let their children spend time in a sedentary activity rather than an active one. Yet developing motor skills is a key aspect of early learning. 'Movement is a child's first language'. Through developing movement skills - running, jumping, skipping, children are also acquiring neurological development to enable them to learn literacy, numeracy and cognitive development skills.

At Reception

In one County, teachers are now implementing structured motor programmes on children on entry to Reception with the result that at the end of the first term, the vast majority now reach the expected standard. It would, however be better if the children could learn whilst pre school.

Pre School

If children could learn whilst pre school and acquire the skills needed then they would not have to go through the motor Programme in the first term. Realising this, an Educational Psychologist has produced a Child Development Programme for children pre school in the early years (see here). This programme, designed for pre-school children in the Early Years Foundation Stage ( aged 3-5) concentrates on developing key skills in literacy, numeracy, motor skills and information processing. Pre school children can be taught both at home and benefit from nursery education, as well as Sure Start centers. They enjoy the preschool activities and the programme has the advantage over educational toys in that more than one facet of their early learning takes place.

Information on early learning can be found at Mentisxl a key promotor of learning in children.