A response to '5 things to reflect on in the early years' from Ben Hasan

Thank you for writing this blog, Julian. My reflections are the following: 

Re: need a pedagogical repertoire.

Totally agree, and as such the pedagogical repertoire is one that engages young children with concrete, motivating learning experiences which in turn enables children to effectively e deepen learning be it: knowledge, skill, disposition or concept. In reference to phonics I would say to ensure the learning is meaningful it is as you stated done regularly through a systematic approach and is continually developed through the thoughtful interventions by the practitioner who understands where the child is in her/his learning. In other words, the teaching of phonics does not sit alone as a strand of learning but is focused in through specific adult directed learning as well as through meaningful interactions during the school day for example through children's writing, when greeting children : the incidental nonsense rhyme: Ben Hen. 

2. More effective assessment tool box.

Totally agree, having a clear understanding of where a child is in her/his learning, and focusing on what she/he can do as a means of enabling children to flourish across all areas of learning is critical. All children are entitled to a broad, balanced, in-depth and challenging curriculum.

3. Progress can be defined as being able to do more, and knowing more 

Totally agree, in so much children need to have secured their knowledge/concept , skill or disposition before moving on, otherwise as stated there can be gaps. For example a child who is able to predict and hypothesise what might happen to ice on an open fire. This may indicate that she/he understands the effects of heat, however, that one observation or indeed solitary experience does not illustrate a secure understanding. If however, that same child has had similar experience of exploring heat and then is using language such as 'the chocolate will melt because of heat from the fire', then there a clear understanding the child is able to predict and hypothesize about some things, the next step could be what about plants with regards to water and sunlight. Here the child is subsequently building on her/his knowledge from a secure underpinning of meaningful experiences that deepen the child's learning over time.

4. The steps you take you are learning to do something can look different to your final accomplishment

couldn't agree more!

5. Self regulation

Thank you for this, a very important review.

Thank you for this blog, as indicated in your conclusion, discourse is critical to moving the teaching and learning within this highly exciting age phase. Reflection and debate is always to be welcomed!