“It’s not what is poured into the student, but what is planted that counts.”
E.P. Bertin
Thank you, Spidey, for that reminder that I am back at school on Tuesday!
This quote resonates with me so much as an Early Years Practitioner.
I always say the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the most important part of a child’s education.
Not because of the academics.
But, because we are responsible for creating that stable foundation to build their learning upon for every child that comes through our doors.
Of course we teach.
But our teaching is more of an exploratory way for the children to grasp and enhance the skills they need to become great learners and good individuals, going on.
Communication and Language; If a child cannot speak in simple sentences, how will they communicate with others? How will they explain what they are doing and how can they demonstrate what they have learned to us? Understanding and listening are just as important. Through the year we have them, we question. We question everything they choose to do. Can they understand our simple questions? We introduce new vocabulary to them all, either enhancing the vocabulary of those who have a good understanding or exposing those who are still learning the language to words and phrases that they need to know.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development; Through many different structured and choice activities, we encourage teamwork, independence, bravery, compassion and empathy. We will try and help children develop confidence. Sharing. That’s a big one. Turn-taking, realising that the world doesn’t revolve around them, being kind to one another, taking care of each other. Even the simple being able to leave their caregiver without crying.
Physical Development; You’d be surprised how many children start school with poor physical development. They’re not interested in running around, bikes, balancing, throwing, kicking balls, etc., and the same goes for their fine motor control. Here we nurture the skills they need to manipulate their hands and fingers in order to, eventually, cut, stick, paint and write.
Of course, academics come into it, but they are secondary to the above three areas. These are the skills we need to plant so the children can flourish, and if they have that base, then the academics will come to them.
I look forward to meeting our new cohort of children and am ready with my bulbs to plant in them, so they can grow into strong, kind, healthy, ready-to-learn individuals.
So, what do you think about these formative years in education?
Wishing you a wonderfully peaceful Sunday, Peeps!
But I Smile Anyway... 
Aug 29, 2022 @ 16:33:03
Hi Ritu, I agree that the formative years are vital to a child’s development. They are also the years when learning barriers are usually identified.
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Aug 29, 2022 @ 17:07:27
That’s what we try do do, anyway, Robbie 😻
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Aug 28, 2022 @ 22:46:03
I hope you have a wonderful start to your year, Ritu. Best of luck to you and your students. ❤
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Aug 28, 2022 @ 23:00:43
Thank you, Diana 🥰
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Aug 28, 2022 @ 21:37:50
I fully agree with you, Sis! It is so important getting tought by teachers doing this with heart and soul. Do you know, in earlier times teachers in Germany were forbidden to marry, because they should take all their power in teaching the pupils. 😉 Best wishes, Michael
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Aug 28, 2022 @ 21:52:29
They were here, too, Bro, many moons ago!
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Aug 28, 2022 @ 18:21:24
Excellent Sis 💜💜
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Aug 28, 2022 @ 18:23:55
Thank you Sis 💛
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Aug 28, 2022 @ 18:49:47
💜💜💜
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Aug 28, 2022 @ 17:57:50
You have such an important job.
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Aug 28, 2022 @ 18:02:37
It really is key, Darlene. Good job I love it 🥰
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Aug 28, 2022 @ 13:38:51
HEAR, HEAR!!!
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Aug 28, 2022 @ 13:40:39
You KNOW, Jennie!!!
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Aug 28, 2022 @ 11:59:41
Early encouragement is SO important. Good parenting is not always present, so good teachers are vitally important. YOU do make a difference Ritu…How satisfying is that?! xx
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Aug 28, 2022 @ 12:15:37
Thank you, Joy 💛
Web older pupils come back and say how they enjoyed and remembered their time with us, it really hits home 💛
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Aug 28, 2022 @ 11:52:26
You are a remarkable teacher, Sis! ❤
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Aug 28, 2022 @ 12:14:41
We all try our best, Sis 💛🤣
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Aug 28, 2022 @ 08:38:55
So vital, Ritu. How you early years teachers deserve our praise and support ❤️
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Aug 28, 2022 @ 08:57:35
Thank you, Steve. We are the start of it, and as long as we do our best, most children will have good foundations for school 🥰
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Aug 28, 2022 @ 13:40:07
They will – and what could be more important than that. And I know you often have to compensate for poor parenting…
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Aug 28, 2022 @ 13:41:10
We get there in the end, most of the time, Steve 🌻
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Aug 28, 2022 @ 13:43:34
And we should never take that for granted…🙏
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Aug 28, 2022 @ 08:16:30
In my opinion, the formative years are the most important…
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Aug 28, 2022 @ 08:56:42
My thoughts exactly.
We can make or break a child’s educational experience… I want my kids to leave my care happy to come to school, excited at the prospect of learning new things and loving books! 🥰
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Aug 28, 2022 @ 08:13:42
as a fellow early childhood teacher, I so agree with all of this
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Aug 28, 2022 @ 08:55:34
I knew you would feel it, Beth 😊
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Aug 28, 2022 @ 07:42:09
Excellent starting point Ritu
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Aug 28, 2022 @ 08:55:14
Thanks, Sajde. If they don’t have that, how will they learn?
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Aug 28, 2022 @ 09:06:41
Exactly so! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
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