The Reception Year in Action, revised and updated edition

Book excerpt: ‘The Reception Year in Action will take the understanding of outdoor play, teaching and learning to a new level. Everyone who is involved with early years education and care should read this book!’ Helen Bilton, University of Reading, UK ‘This is a fantastic book... it shows exactly how an excellent reception class is organised and run. There is a clear theoretical underpinning to the practice described and the photos really bring the text alive.’ Margaret Edgington, independent early years consultant and trainer Children thrive when a reception class is organised and managed by the adults, but led by the children. They learn and develop if they are in a stimulating environment which is carefully organised and when observations are used to support their ‘next steps’. They take risks and surpass expectations when they have clear routines and boundaries, combined with a supportive staff and an enabling environment. The Reception Year in Action offers a unique insight into the workings of a highly successful Reception class as it progresses through a complete academic year. The book covers all aspects of practice from the organisation of the classroom and garden and the rationale behind this to the routines and boundaries that ensure children are safe, happy and therefore able to explore and learn. It tracks the events of each month in the year, paying particular attention to the environment, the role of the adult, links with parents, children’s individual needs and the key areas of learning and development. At each stage Anna Ephgrave gives the reason behind each decision and shows what the outcomes have been for the children. This revised edition has been updated to show how the methods described complement the revised Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and how the planning system has been received under the new Ofsted framework. Key Features include: photocopiable pages of planning sheets, record keeping sheets, sample letters to parents and role play resources also available for download; over 150 full-colour photographs to illustrate practice; lists of resources and materials; examples of recorded observations and planning for next steps; guidance on what to look for when assessing children’s progress. Written by an advanced skills teacher who is gaining national recognition for her practice, this book provides teachers with the practical ideas and evidence of success to work with confidence in a way that is rewarding, manageable and, above all, best for the children.