Characteristics of Effective Teaching and Learning

Play is essential for children’s development, building their confidence as they learn to explore, relate to others, set their own goals and solve problems. Children learn by leading their own play, and by taking part in play which is guided by adults. We have decided that we want our children to learn and the most effective ways to teach it. We stimulate children’s interests, respond to each child’s emerging needs and guide their development through warm, positive interactions coupled with secure routines for play and learning. As children grow older and move into the reception year (FS2), there is greater focus on teaching the essential skills and knowledge in the specific areas of learning. This helps children to prepare for year 1.

In planning and guiding what children learn, we reflect on the different rates at which children are developing and adjust their practice appropriately.

The three characteristics of effective teaching and learning are:

• playing and exploring - children investigate and experience things, and ‘have a go’

• active learning - children concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties, and enjoy achievements

• creating and thinking critically - children have and develop their own ideas, make links between ideas, and develop strategies for doing things