EYFS Messages

Good afternoon,

Following our recent Parents’ Evening, which we always greatly enjoy and value as an opportunity to share your child’s progress, we wanted to provide some key strategies to support learning at home. These ideas reflect the approaches we use in school and can be easily incorporated into everyday routines.

Supporting Fine-Motor Development

Occupational Therapists emphasise that fine-motor skills develop from the inside out. Before children can control their fingers for writing, drawing or using cutlery, they first need strong core, shoulder, arm, and wrist stability.

Here are some simple, playful activities you can try at home:

Core Strength

• Animal walks (bear, crab, frog)

• Wheelbarrow walks

• Tummy time whilst playing, reading or drawing

• Obstacle courses using cushions, chairs or stepping stones

Shoulder and Upper-Arm Strength

• Drawing or painting on a vertical surface (paper on a wall, easel, chalkboard)

• Large-scale chalk drawings outdoors

• Throwing and catching beanbags or soft balls

Wrist Stability

• Pushing toy cars up and down ramps

• Using spray bottles in play or at bath time

• Rolling balls up and down walls

Hand and Finger Strength

• Squeezing, rolling and pinching playdough

• Using tweezers or tongs to pick up small objects

• Threading pasta, beads or buttons

• Snipping activities using child-safe scissors

Short, frequent activities will help to build strength and control over time.

Understanding the CPA Approach in Maths

We teach maths using the CPA approach (Concrete → Pictorial → Abstract). This helps children develop secure understanding by progressing through:

• Concrete – using real objects

• Pictorial – drawing simple representations

• Abstract – using numbers and symbols

You can support this at home by starting with real items first. Everyday objects work brilliantly, such as:

• Teddies, toy animals, cars, Lego or blocks

• Spoons, pasta pieces, dried beans or buttons

• Coins, pebbles or pinecones

For example, to explore 5 + 2, children can count out five blocks and two teddies, combine them, and count the total. This deepens understanding before moving to written methods.

DoodleMaths – Highly Recommended

We highly recommend the DoodleMaths app. It is a smart, adaptive programme that adjusts to your child’s current understanding and misconceptions. It offers five short questions a day, which your child can complete independently, without adult support.

Families who have used DoodleMaths previously have found it extremely beneficial for progress and mathematical confidence. Even a few minutes each day can make a noticeable impact.

If you would like any further guidance or bespoke ideas tailored to your child, please speak to us. We are always happy to help.