Table of Contents

ForewordAcknowledgements

IntroductionPedagogy
Brain development and progress
Organisation of the book
Theory into practice

Chapter 1 SeptemberOrganisation
Day oneTimetable

Environment
An enabling environment

Organisation
Behaviour managementConflict resolution

Diary
CakesThe solar systemMending mum’s toyBingoA new pondCrocodiles

Chapter 2 OctoberOrganisation
The weekly routine - focus children and parental involvementLearning journey sheetsParent meetingsPlanning for the rest of the class

Environment
Sand area outdoors
Cooking units indoors

Diary
Sand and cookingLearning journey details

Chapter 3 NovemberOrganisation
Individual folders
Story scribing

Environment
Woodwork area outdoors

Diary
New pets
Diwali and bonfire night
Mathematics everywhere
Surfing
Building a zoo
Story scribing

Chapter 4 DecemberOrganisation
Christmas
Assessments

Environment
Physical development
Creative and physical development

Diary
Family items
Creative projects
Football

Chapter 5 JanuaryOrganisation
A4 learning journey sheets
Specialist areas
Telling the time
Self-assessments
Class monitors

Environment
Specialist creative area
Music and stage area

Diary
Ambitious endeavours in the new creative area
Other interesting events
Equally interesting outdoors!

Chapter 6 FebruaryOrganisation
Timetable changes
The role of the adult
Curriculum coverage

Environment
Specialist science area indoors
Science outdoors
Water investigation area

Diary
The human body
Grouping animals
Non-fiction books
Mixtures and potions
Funky fountain
Clay
Electricity
Technological toys
The science of sound
Bee-Bot challenge
Ice

Chapter 7 MarchOrganisation
Assessments and moderation
Review of timetable and structure of the day

Environment
Specialist cooking area
Small construction and ‘small world’ equipment
Large construction outdoors
Snack area outdoors

Diary
Volcanos
Fruit smoothies
Pyramids
Wind sock
Blue Batman mask
How strong is a Bee-Bot?
Paper boats
What is inside a dinosaur?

Chapter 8 AprilOrganisation
A new structure to the day
Challenges are optional
New approach to focus children and parent meetings

Environment
History
Geography

Diary
Another dead mouse!
A wormery
Interests persist – sewing
Chicks in Reception
Money, money, money
Mathematical wow moment
Animals
Ruth and Maisie
Beegu

Chapter 9 MayOrganisation
Speech and language

Environment
The growing area

Diary
Gymnastics
Responsibilities are enjoyed
These children are still so young
Beegu challenges continue
The Beast needs a friend!

Chapter 10 JuneOrganisation
Timetable remains unchanged
Phonics screening test

Environment
Mid kitchen
Transition from Reception to Year One

Diary
The Lonely Beast
PSE focus in many challenges
Obstacles
Adult-led but still engaging
A new arrival in the garden
A trip to the zoo

Chapter 11 JulyOrganisation
Transition
Progress

Environment
Review and reflect

Diary
Harvest and eat!
Young children don’t always need to sit and write
Den building
Escape!
Woodwork skills develop
Other materials available

Conclusion

Appendix A Ferre Laevers' levels of involvement
Appendix B Cooking design sheet
Appendix C Autumn Term focus child letter
Appendix D Learning journey
Appendix E Cake recipe book
Appendix F Story scribing
Appendix G Story map
Appendix H Woodwork design sheet
Appendix I Suppliers
Appendix J Spring term focus child letter
Appendix K Science design sheet
Appendix L Report sheet
Appendix M Creative design sheet

Bibliography

About the Author

Anna Ephgrave has been teaching for over 27 years. Her most recent post was Assistant Head Teacher responsible for the Early Years and Year One at Carterhatch Infant School, which was graded as Outstanding in its most recent inspection. Anna is an independent consultant, trainer and author, supporting practitioners both in the United Kingdom and abroad. She has written two very successful books for David Fulton, Routledge: The Reception Year in Action and The Nursery Year in Action.