The early years of a child’s life are a time of rapid brain development, curiosity, and learning. Every experience shapes a child’s cognitive, social, and emotional skills, setting the foundation for lifelong learning. At Milestones Early Learning Centres, we understand that these years are crucial in preparing children for primary school and beyond.
Through our Lifelong Learning Curriculum, we provide structured yet play-based experiences designed to enhance children's literacy, numeracy, social-emotional skills, and physical development. This blog explores what foundational learning is, why it’s important, and how families can support their child’s journey.
What is Foundational Learning?
Foundational learning refers to the essential knowledge, skills, and behaviours that form the basis of a child’s future academic and personal success. This includes early literacy and numeracy, problem-solving, creativity, social interactions, and emotional regulation. At Milestones Early Learning Centres, foundational learning is seamlessly integrated into daily routines, ensuring children develop these crucial skills in a natural and engaging way.
Why is Foundational Learning Important?
Research shows that 90% of brain development happens before the age of five. Early learning experiences significantly impact a child’s ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and form positive relationships. Children who engage in high-quality early education:
- Develop stronger literacy and numeracy skills
- Build confidence and resilience
- Learn how to regulate emotions and interact with peers
- Develop problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities
- Establish a lifelong love of learning
Our Lifelong Learning Curriculum, exclusive to Affinity Education centres, is designed to optimise this crucial stage, ensuring that children in our centres are equipped with the skills needed for a smooth transition to school.
Key Foundational Learning Concepts Before Primary School
Before starting primary school, children should have a strong grasp of fundamental learning concepts, including:
- Language and literacy – Recognising letters, understanding sounds, expanding vocabulary, and engaging in storytelling.
- Numeracy – Recognising numbers, counting, understanding patterns, and solving basic problems.
- Social skills – Cooperating with others, sharing, and following instructions.
- Emotional regulation – Identifying and managing emotions appropriately.
- Fine and gross motor skills – Developing hand-eye coordination, balance, and movement skills.
At Milestones Early Learning, we cultivate these skills through interactive play, group learning, and hands-on activities that make learning engaging and meaningful.
Developmental Milestones for Children Under Five
Every child develops at their own pace, but here are some general milestones we focus on:
- Babies (0-12 months): Responding to sounds, making eye contact, babbling, grasping objects.
- Toddlers (1-3 years): Using simple words and sentences, stacking blocks, engaging in pretend play.
- Kindergarteners/Preschoolers (3-5 years): Recognising letters and numbers, telling stories, forming friendships, following multi-step instructions.
Our educators carefully track each child’s progress, tailoring activities to support individual strengths and areas for growth.
How Can Families Support Foundational Learning at Home?
Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in extending learning beyond the classroom. Here are some simple ways to support your child's development at home:
- Read together daily – Encourage a love for books by reading with your child every day.
- Incorporate learning into play – Engage in puzzles, building blocks, and role-playing games.
- Count everyday objects – Count stairs, toys, or groceries to build numeracy skills.
- Encourage conversations – Ask open-ended questions and engage in storytelling.
- Establish routines – Predictable routines help children feel secure and promote responsibility.
At Milestones, we encourage strong family partnerships and provide resources to help parents continue their child’s learning journey at home.
Best Books for Foundational Learning (Ages 0-5)
Books are an excellent tool for developing early literacy and comprehension. Here are some age-appropriate recommendations:
- Babies (0-12 months):
- Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? – Bill Martin Jr.
- Where’s Spot? – Eric Hill
- Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes – Mem Fox
- Toddlers (1-3 years):
- Dear Zoo – Rod Campbell
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar – Eric Carle
- That’s Not My Puppy – Usborne Touchy-Feely series
- Preschoolers (3-5 years):
- We’re Going on a Bear Hunt – Michael Rosen
- Chicka Chicka Boom Boom – Bill Martin Jr. & John Archambault
- The Gruffalo – Julia Donaldson
Final Thoughts
At Milestones Early Learning Centres, we are dedicated to helping children develop essential skills that will serve them for life. Our Lifelong Learning Curriculum ensures that children receive high-quality education in a nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate way.
By fostering strong foundational skills, we set children up for success in school and beyond. If you’re looking for a trusted early learning centre focused on holistic child development, visit your nearest Milestones Early Learning Centre today!