Core Skills Analysis
Early Literacy
- Griffin engaged with the 'Dear Zoo' book by lifting flaps to discover hidden animals, which supports emerging literacy and curiosity about print and books.
- Interaction with Phoebe reading to him promotes listening skills and language development through shared reading experiences.
- Repeated exposure to animals and words in the book helps build vocabulary and recognition of images linked to words.
- Understanding cause and effect is reinforced as Griffin opens and closes flaps, giving him agency in the story exploration.
Physical Development
- Griffin's climbing onto Phoebe’s lap and maneuvering the kitchen helper to access the freezer demonstrates gross motor skills and increasing physical confidence.
- Manipulating small musical instruments and cars requires and develops fine motor control and hand-eye coordination.
- Attempting to place the click clack cars down the ramp shows problem-solving and spatial awareness as he figures out how to make the cars work independently over time.
- Engagement with the sensory box promotes tactile exploration and sensory development.
Social and Emotional Development
- Griffin’s interaction with Phoebe, including climbing on her lap, indicates growing comfort with social bonding and seeking closeness.
- Decision-making, such as wanting another ice pole and testing boundaries by pushing the kitchen helper aside, reflects emerging independence and curiosity.
- Persistence is seen in Griffin’s 15-minute focus on making the cars go down the ramp by trying new strategies.
- Soothing strategies like going for a walk when struggling to sleep show developing awareness of self-regulation and comfort-seeking.
Tips
To deepen Griffin's literacy and language development, continue shared reading with interactive books that include flaps or textures to keep him engaged. Incorporate naming and describing animals or objects within the books to build vocabulary. Physical development can be extended by setting up obstacle courses or encouraging safe climbing and balancing tasks to build strength and coordination. Sensory play can be enriched using varied textures, sounds, and safe household objects to stimulate tactile and auditory senses. To support social and emotional growth, foster cooperative play and gentle sharing moments, inviting Griffin to express choices, such as picking songs or snacks, to bolster autonomy. When Griffin shows determination in problem-solving, celebrate his efforts to build confidence and persistence.
Book Recommendations
- Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell: A lift-the-flap book where children discover various animals sent by the zoo, perfect for interactive learning and vocabulary-building.
- Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle: Repetitive rhymes and colorful illustrations introduce animals and colors, supporting language acquisition and memory.
- Where's Spot? by Eric Hill: Another lift-the-flap classic that encourages children to explore and engage with the story through discovery.
Learning Standards
- Understanding the World (Reception): Recognising familiar animals and objects (UK Early Years Foundation Stage - UW)
- Physical Development (Reception): Developing gross and fine motor skills through handling toys and navigating space (EYFS - PD)
- Communication and Language (Reception): Listening and responding to stories and conversations to build vocabulary and comprehension (EYFS - CL)
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development (Reception): Building confidence and independence in exploring environment and social interactions (EYFS - PSED)
Try This Next
- Create a homemade lift-the-flap book using photos or drawings of familiar animals or objects that Griffin can explore.
- Set up a mini ramp with toy cars and various obstacles to encourage problem-solving and fine motor skill development.