The topic at a glance

Nursery Topics - Pattern covers all six areas of learning in the English early years curriculum, but it can be adapted easily to suit the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish curricula. The areas of learning are indicated as follows: *Personal, social and emotional development *Communication, language and literacy *Mathematical development *Knowledge and understanding of the world *Physical development *Creative development THEMES AND ACTIVITIES

The QCA Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage is very clear that good practice involves a balance between adult-led and child-initiated play and activities, stating that 'children should notmake a distinction between "play"and "work" and neither should practitioners'. Each of the four themes within Pattern likewise includes a balance between adult-led activities, with a planned learning outcome, and suggestions for child-initiated play that will reinforce learning and allow wider exploration of the skills, knowledge and attitudes that the topic hopes to foster. The four parts are: Part 1 In print