Are the Early Years Foundation Stage literacy goals developmentally appropriate at age five?
“I feel it is important to properly review the literacy goals. Whilst there is much in the Early Years Foundation Stage that I really agree with we need to look carefully at what is appropriate and for example I certainly don’t think that punctuation aged three is beneficial..” Why is this obsession with trying to get children to start reading and writing as young as possible instead of ensuring that they are in an environment that supports their learning when they are ready and at their own pace so that it is positive and enjoyable, when many boys in particular feel very uncomfortable with reading and writing which lasts their entire lives? “That’s what’s so frightening about our education system. Children tend to go happily when they start school. But they’re already getting disaffected with school by the age of 10 and 11. That’s a tragedy and what’s quite important about the (Professor Robin) Alexander report – that actual enjoyment. I understand the argument that a child in a more
