Early Years Education Foundations

In this lesson, Emily delves into the critical role of physical development as a prime area of focus in early childhood education. Participants will gain a deep understanding of why physical development is fundamental to children's overall growth and well-being. Emily will begin by discussing the concept of experience expectant learning, highlighting how young children's brains are wired to expect certain experiences that are crucial for their physical development. Through engaging discussions and examples, participants will explore how early experiences shape neural connections, laying the foundation for future learning and skill development. Furthermore, Emily will emphasise the importance of nurturing moving and handling skills, such as gross and fine motor skills, in young children. Participants will learn practical strategies and activities to promote these skills effectively, understanding their significance in enhancing coordination, strength, and spatial awareness. Moreover, the lesson will address the development of self-care skills, emphasising their role in fostering independence and autonomy in young learners. Emily will share insights into how teaching self-care skills not only promotes physical development but also instills confidence and self-esteem in children. By the end of the lesson, participants will recognise physical development as a prime area of development in early childhood education, understanding its profound impact on children's holistic development. They will gain valuable insights into experience expectant learning, moving and handling skills, and self-care skills, empowering them to create nurturing environments that support children's physical development effectively.

In this lesson, Emily delves into the critical aspect of shaping environments to optimize physical development in young children. Participants will explore strategies for creating clean and safe spaces, particularly essential for babies, to encourage exploration and movement safely. Emily emphasizes the importance of providing access to open spaces and ample room for children to move freely, promoting gross motor skills development and spatial awareness. Participants will learn about the significance of resetting environments and continuous provision, ensuring that learning spaces remain dynamic and conducive to physical activity. Furthermore, Emily discusses unconventional approaches such as turning tables and chairs upside down or eliminating them altogether to encourage innovative play and movement. Participants will gain insights into strategic adult intervention and how to provide appropriate challenges to promote physical development effectively. By the end of the lesson, participants will have a strategic understanding of how to shape environments to foster physical development in young children, ensuring that spaces are conducive to exploration, movement, and growth.

In this lesson, Emily explores the crucial link between physical development and establishing independence as a foundational aspect of early childhood education. Participants will discover how learners can develop independence through various facets of physical development. Emily delves into the importance of health and self-care practices, emphasizing how children can cultivate independence by learning to care for their bodies and engage in positive hygiene habits. Participants will explore strategies for nurturing a positive relationship with food and understanding the benefits of movement for maintaining healthy bodies. Emily also discusses the significance of establishing routines and hygiene practices that encourage independence, empowering children to take ownership of their daily activities. Participants will learn practical techniques to support children in mastering essential skills such as getting changed independently. Throughout the lesson, Emily shares strategies to promote independence through physical development, ensuring that participants gain valuable insights into fostering autonomy and self-reliance in young learners effectively. By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with practical tools to support children in developing independence as they navigate their early childhood years.

In this lesson, Emily leads an exploration into the multifaceted benefits of physical development while adopting a holistic perspective. Participants will gain an understanding of why physical development is vital across three key areas: Physical Benefits, Mental Wellbeing, and Brain Function. Emily delves into the physical benefits of physical development, highlighting how it promotes strength, coordination, and overall health in young children. Participants will explore how regular physical activity contributes to the development of strong muscles, bones, and cardiovascular health. Moreover, Emily also discusses the profound impact of physical development on mental wellbeing, emphasizing how movement and physical activity can enhance mood, reduce stress, and improve emotional regulation in children. Participants will learn about the psychological benefits of engaging in physical play and exploration. Additionally, Emily examines the relationship between physical development and brain function, elucidating how movement stimulates neural connections and supports cognitive development. Participants will explore research findings highlighting the cognitive benefits of physical activity on attention, memory, and learning. Throughout the lesson, Emily encourages participants to view physical development holistically, understanding its interconnectedness with various aspects of children's development and wellbeing. By the end of the lesson, participants will appreciate the holistic benefits of physical development and gain insights into how to promote it effectively in early childhood education settings.

In this lesson, Emily delves into practical strategies for developing both fine and gross motor skills within early childhood settings. Participants will explore a diverse array of activities meticulously designed to nurture motor skill development, ranging from classic favorites like playdough to innovative exercises like threading and yoga. Emily underscores the significance of fine and gross motor skills in children's overall development, emphasizing how these skills lay the foundation for physical coordination and cognitive abilities. Participants will gain insight into the importance of integrating motor skill development into daily activities within their educational settings. Throughout the lesson, Emily showcases a variety of engaging activities tailored to enhance fine motor skills, such as playdough sculpting, bead threading, and finger painting. Participants will learn how these activities foster finger strength, hand-eye coordination, and artistic expression. Moreover, Emily explores the benefits of incorporating gross motor activities like yoga into the curriculum, promoting balance, flexibility, and body awareness in young learners. Participants will discover how these activities not only enhance physical health but also contribute to emotional regulation and mindfulness. By the conclusion of the lesson, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of practical strategies to support fine and gross motor skill development in early childhood settings. Equipped with a diverse repertoire of activities, educators will be empowered to create dynamic and enriching learning environments that foster holistic motor skill development in young children.