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www.foundation-stage.info
The focus of the film is to show Seb's spontaneous play opportunities, (at home with mummy, with a friend, and at pre-school) and to define and describe his learning and development. The central tenet is that play is the best way of learning and of having fun!
The presentation of Seb’s learning experiences is divided into the six areas of learning of the Foundation Stage, although of course children do not learn in convenient subject-based chunks. This format is very useful when using the DVD as a training tool both in your own setting, and in training establishments, as clear links can be made to the Foundation Stage guidance document, and, one expects, to the new EYFS later this year.
Beginning with communication, language and literacy, the film focuses on the development of speaking and listening skills. We see Seb having meaningful conversations, learning the conventions of social interaction, and learning to question and negotiate. The commentary is excellent: concise and succinct explanations of Seb’s skills.
We then see how Seb is learning to make relationships and care about other people. The descriptions of his verbal and non-verbal behaviour are particularly good, as is the sensitive explanation of Seb having to deal with a rather dominant little girl in the role-play kitchen!
Mathematical development focuses quite correctly on doing, showing Seb manipulating objects and developing his understanding of size, shape, and position. The section showing creative development includes the most important aspect of painting, cooking, playdough and interacting with stories: the process not the product. The commentary emphasises how previous knowledge and experiences influence children’s role-play, and how useful this genre is in supporting children’s development.
Keeping closely to requirements of best practice, the knowledge and understanding section emphasis the importance of using the senses to explore the world. We see Seb as an inquisitive child, who needs a supportive, exciting learning environment to satisfy his curiosity, and to motivate him to learn.
Finally, the section devoted to physical development covers the indoor and outdoor environments, and fine and gross motor development. A scenario very familiar to early years practitioners is recorded: a member of staff explains to Seb that the best place to run around, as a superhero is probably not in the playroom!
I recommend this DVD highly: a very useful tool to use with your colleagues or students. Every school improvement service should have several copies to lend out to settings, and to allow their consultants to use with the settings they support. The accompanying notes are very useful to encourage discussion and to plan for continuous self-improvement in your practice and provision.
The partner DVD, Child Observation No. 8 Learning through Play (3 to 4 year old) shows 9 clips, taken from the DVD above, but without any commentary at all. This would be useful when training students and practitioners in observation techniques. An excellent set of user notes is available to support the trainer. This is a valuable resource, both for colleges offering early years courses, and for local authorities providing continuous professional development for their early years workforce.