The guidance says the workbook activities will help my child to achieve the early learning goals. Isn't this a good idea?
Publishers' claims need to be taken with a pinch of salt - after all, they are trying to sell their publications. The links made between the early learning goals and the activities in many books are not as clear-cut as they suggest.
The Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage (which supports practitioners in planning and developing learning opportunities for children) emphasises the importance of play in helping children to achieve the early learning goals. It also emphasises the importance of maintaining children's enthusiasm by offering physical and sensory experiences and through talk and social interaction. None of these are readily achieved by colouring in circles on a worksheet!
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