Parents and Pre-school Working Together

1. Parents and Pre-school Working Together

2. In November 2012 we asked our parents to fill in a questionnaire telling us what they would like to know about their children’s pre-school education. They told us they wanted to know: • How their children learn • How they can help their children learn • What their children do at Acorns

3. A great deal of thought was given to how we could give the parents the information they wanted and in the end we decided that instead of telling them, we would show them. We made some video clips of the children at Acorns so parents could see what their children get up to. We then held a parent “Movie and Information” session. But first we told them about the importance of developing a partnership with their child’s pre-school.

4. Why is the parent/preschool partnership important? • Did you know, Research carried out between 1997 and 2004 found that: • Children thrive in settings where parents and professionals work together • There is a long term impact lasting well into primary schooling • What parents do with their children is more important than who they are

5. So what does that really mean? • The project found that pre-schools who encourage high levels of parental involvement lead to higher intellectual achievements for those children and this has a long term effect lasting well into their primary education! • Children are supported through every area of development when a parents knowledge of their child – what they like/enjoy etc. is combined with a professionals expertise of child development and learning. • Best of all, it is more important for you to read with your child, teach them songs and nursery rhymes, paint and draw with them than what your occupation/qualifications or income are!

6. What can Parents do? • Share information – fill in wow slips, tell us about a special event or if there is a reason your child might be “out of sorts” • Come and play at Acorns • Share your skills or passions • Comment on assessments in Learning Journeys • Attend Parents evenings and information sessions

7. The following slides have the video clips shown at the parents “Movie & Information” session and some information about what the children were learning. The first video shows an adult led, group activity and the second clips from our Wilderness Wednesday sessions in the woods. To view the videos click in the centre of the slide. Learning at Acorns Paula Jan/Feb 2013

9. What were the children learning? • PSED • Behaviour and self control, an ability to sit and listen for an extended period of time and to take turns • self confidence, talking in a group, volunteering ideas • Communication and Language • Listening and attention • Understanding – an ability to respond to questions • Speaking – conversing, linking thoughts and ideas, developing vocabulary • Physical • Health and self-care – beginning to understand fruits as a healthy part of our diet • Literacy • Reading – can remember and retell a story

10. Mathematics • Numbers – number recognition, counting one number name for one object • Understanding the world • The world – is beginning to understand that fruits such as bananas grow in other parts of the world • Characteristics of Effective Learning • Using their senses to explore the world around them • Maintaining focus and attention • Makes predictions

12. Forest School Learning • Children are able to develop good dispositions and attitudes to learning. They can try out new ideas and experiences and are encouraged to keep trying even when they feel like giving up. Accomplishments are rewarded by a feeling of pride and satisfaction, which in turn encourages them to try new challenges • They work together to overcome obstacles • Ability to take risk in an appropriate way whilst also learning both the need to keep safe and how to do it • Learning is effortless – the environment provides the perfect conditions for all areas of learning • Its fun! • They see nature first hand, the seasons, animals, plants are all there right in front of them • Learning can be revisited week after week

13. For further information: • The Impact of Parental Involvement on Children's Education • https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/eOrderingDownload/DCSF-Parental_Involvement.pdf • Parents guide to the EYFS • http://www.foundationyears.org.uk/parents/ - this website has some really useful information • Analysis: Children getting in touch with nature at forest schools • http://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/news/869646/Analysis-Children-getting-touch-nature-forest-schools/ - this is an interesting piece of reading for anyone wanting more information about forest school.