Small World in EYFS
At Swinemoor small world environments and characters are regularly changed to suit the theme or topic the children are working on.
This allows children the opportunity to consolidate their learning and further demonstrate their understanding to adults and their peers.
As the year progresses children begin to play more cooperatively with their peers, sharing their ideas and planning their play.
Language becomes more focussed and appropriate to their play and models and designs become more elaborate and detailed.
Small world environments allow children to act out daily routines or past events such as putting a doll to bed or driving a car, however it also allows them to experiment with fantasy play and incorporate their own ideas.
It supports a breadth of language skills including building vocabulary and understanding.
Children are able to learn new words and practise using them in context.
Expressive language skills can be encouraged through a small world experience, allowing the child to narrate their play and talk about what is happening.
Examples of ‘Small World’ play
“That the children are very proud of their work and teachers make sure they are rewarded.”
“That each child’s needs are met, a great understanding (SEN)”
“Teaching staff in Y 5/6 who really challenge the children and move them forward.”
“The enthusiasm of the staff and the fact my child has been encouraged to learn whilst being allowed to progress at his own speed.”
“My daughter likes Swinemoor because she says ‘everyone is friendly’. I like it because all children are included and have the confidence to compete and challenge anyone.”
“My daughter is making fantastic progress. The two performances I have seen have been excellent (Harvest and Christmas).”
“I love the fact that the children and staff love being there and are so proud of their school.”
“I like everything about the school. My child has made excellent progress.”
“Since starting Swinemoor my son has come on in leaps and bounds and in just a short time. I am looking forward to the further progress.”
“The school is very clean and staff well dressed. Its nice when visiting to see all the work on display and to hear the excellent comments from the kids about their day.”
” It’s a really good school with high achievers and high standards from the pupils. Very helpful if I’ve had a problem.”
“We like the fact that the children’s work/plays are able to be seen on the website and I think the teacher’s end of term videos are a great addition.”
“Very happy with everything the school does. Loved the Christmas plays – both of them.”
“The fact they have a very modern approach to their teaching and the headmaster is very much involved and isn’t scared to get his hands dirty and interacts very well with all the staff and children.”
“How the children progress and where necessary they are given help to achieve that progress.”
“Competitions that occur each half term.”
“I am impressed with the teaching at this school and pushing the kids into doing work they are capable of.”
“The way that my child has improved 100% from last school.”
“Progress of the children and if and when necessary they are given extra help.”
“Strong headteacher. Caring and intelligent teachers. Good curriculum. Good discipline.”
“All of the shows/ performances are so professional and we feel welcomed coming into school. I think the school instills confidence and high self esteem in pupils.”
“Staff are welcoming and willing to help/listen. Child always seems happy.”
“We really enjoy all the school performances that parents are invited to.”
“Always giving our children a challenge. Always pushing them harder, not taking satisfactory, but aiming high!.”
“Keep encouraging sport such as football and netball..”
” It’s a really good school with high standards and high achievers.”
“The respect both pupils and staff have for one another shows all around the school. It’s a very happy place to be.”