How to meet the learning needs of mixed age groups in the home-based setting Essay Example for Free

How to meet the learning needs of mixed age groups in the home-based setting Essay adept of the biggest advantages of mixed age groups is that they make us really analyse the individual needs, interests, and temperaments of each tiddler in the group. We female genitalia then plan and provide for the next steps in learning, by getting to recognize our group of children very well, and making c areful observations on them, as individuals, what they do and how they interact with others. This knowledge apprize then be mapped to the EYFS Practice Guidance over the six areas of Learning and Development and used to reflect individual learning plans by assessing activities, opportunities and experiences based on their individual development, interests and needs. Careful planning and organisation are critical factors in meeting the learning needs of contrasting age groups. Each licentiousness area, including outside, mustiness provide the maximum of learning opportunities for all ages in your care, using barriers e.g. gates and big cushions only where compulsory for safety so that infants and toddlers feel included whenever possible.A good idea is to go through the kinsperson looking at the room from the childs level. What would the baby sympathise first, what would the toddler or pre-schooler see first? What appeals to the school-age child? You can create small play areas for special activities, e.g. using a dauntless playpen or hallway as an office for aged children when they want to colour, do a puzzle, play a board game or do something without help from toddlers. The little ones can then shape without interfering with the activity.A range of open-ended multiple-use resources should be used, that can be played with in different ways according to stage, such as balls and bricks and Lego. Toys that are safe for children of all ages can be kept on low shelves easily accessible, e.g. blocks, board books, dressing-up clothes,dolls, stuffed animals, mat erials to play house, and a collection of heuristic play items (plastic containers, criterion spoons, funnels, etc.), which should be changed round frequently.It is possible to use the same activity to support the learning of mixed age groups, with modifications. This is differentiating the curriculum, by extending or adapting the original play into more specific areas of learning, as per the aims and targets set for each child. For example, young children can handle gloopy paint to explore colour and texture, while ripened children use the same paint materials to express their feelings and ideas. Each child does the bit of the activity that he is ready and keen to do.If one child in the group is using a schema e.g. Enveloping, this can be used as the basis of a plan for the whole group e.g. to make a den, dress up or wrap up some presents. It is important to set up these activities for shared learning, as children develop socially when they have opportunities to observe and pla y with those who will play differently due to being older or younger. Being at different stages of their learning journey should mean that all will be adequate to share other viewpoints and richer experiences. This will help them be co-operative, and for the group to gel. NEC 733.000 08/516573 Ruth DickersonThe older members of the group can help to meet the younger ones learning needs, e.g. by communicating pulling faces with babies, tuition to preschoolers, putting on a play or a puppet show, or teaching a board game. They do often enjoy being valued for their input, but their help should be volunteered, not relied on, and they should have lots of opportunities away from the babies, since being your assistant can be a way for older children to avoid their own age group, and a way to escape peer conflicts.Unplanned opportunities are besides very useful as they can often spark off the kind of conversations and reminiscences about other experiences, and sharing of ideas, that just wouldnt have happened unless that event had occurred.They encourage communication and social skills which the smaller ones can pick up on and everyone can share. We can also help children to think about ways to include each other in their play, e.g. if the older children are playing house you could ask As you are the daddy, could you read Tom and me a book?(710)