Redwood Branches of Development

Settling in

To settle in, ready to become a confident learner. Emotional regulation is a critical support for development and learning.

Interest and Understanding of Nature and Living Things 

Children can notice and talk about the similarities and differences between living things, materials, and growth.

They can predict what may happen and why.

Children can talk about the process of planting, harvesting, and eating what they have planted.

Children can talk about the lifecycle of the caterpillars and butterflies we have in the setting.

Recognising Meaningful Text

To be able to recognise their name in a number of different contexts and fonts.

Children need to be able to recognise what their name looks like before they are able to write their name. Name recognition also builds the concept of print and begins the process of site reading, and the understanding that print carries meaning.

75 Signs (BSL)

For children to be able to sign and to understand 75 different BSL signs. Early exposure to BSL can assist children to develop their language, communication and reasoning skills.

Learning another language promotes an inclusive environment and will assist the children when they go on to primary school as they will be able to communicate with deaf peers, and BSL is the second language taught in the local primary schools.

Making Pizza

For children to be able to follow verbal instructions, recognise steps in a recipe, be able to handle tools safely, to select and measure the ingredients they both need and would like, and to produce a pizza.

Making a meaningful creation

To independently use a variety of materials and techniques that they have learnt, to create a picture or model which is meaningful to them.

Independent dressing

To be able to confidently undress and dress oneself independently, and to show respect for their items of clothes such as hanging up their coats.

Team Games

To be confident in taking part in a team game, listening to instructions, following directions, taking turns and having a go.