EYFS: in the moment planning in nurseries
Find out more about in the moment planning in nurseries and how it can benefit both children and nursery staff.
What is in the moment planning?
This means planning for children’s learning in the moment. It is about observing children, joining in with their play and using it to move their learning forward.
How do you go about planning in the moment?
An enabling environment is the key to the success of planning in the here and now. An environment rich in natural, everyday resources, available to the children all the time will serve as a great starting point for children to get truly immersed in their play. Resources could include pots, pans, buckets, water, sand, tyres, planks, crates, stones/ pebbles, beads, spoons- the list is endless!
What might in the moment planning look like?
Paula Lane, manager of NDNA member setting Oak Hill Community Nursery in Brockley, told us about an example for when they have planned in the here and now.
Two boys were running around in the garden playing with a ‘sword’.
“I am a pirate and I am going to take you!” said one of the boys.
A practitioner then got into character and they talked about where they were going to be taken to.
The practitioner then suggested making a map with drawings and letters, making treasure out of boxes and other materials then sharing out the loot.
This practitioner followed their interests, thought on their feet and introduced a next step in learning, into the play. It helped to develop the boys’ communication and language, literacy and maths skills.
What are the benefits of planning in the here and now?
Adopting a ‘planning in the here and now’ approach allows practitioners the opportunity to provide excellent care and learning in a very child centred way. Consider that children don’t know what they don’t know, so it is up to practitioners to broaden their learning experiences in a sensitive and fun way.
Looking for more support on in the moment planning?
Our Characteristics of Effective Teaching and Learning and Continuous Provision online courses will support you with in the moment planning, and both are free to NDNA members.
Find out more about the early years planning cycle and the importance of a flexible, child-led planning process in our Planning in the Here and Now publication too.
- EYFS
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