Assessment - How do our senses help us? - EYFS

In the context of early years education, assessing how children's senses contribute to their learning is crucial. Practitioners should observe whether the children are able to use their senses to gather information about their environment, specifically focusing on their ability to collect data about the weather. This involves recognising and understanding the five senses and how they facilitate interaction with the world. Additionally, it is important to check if the children can identify at least three species of birds that frequent the school surroundings, demonstrating their use of sight and hearing.

Another key aspect of the assessment is to determine if the children have learnt to record information effectively, ensuring they can retrieve it later. This skill is vital for their cognitive development and understanding of the world. Practitioners should also observe whether the children can document their observations of the outdoor environment, noting what they see and hear. Lastly, it is essential to assess the children's awareness of safety and conservation, checking if they know how to maintain a safe and protected outdoor area, which reflects their understanding of responsibility and care for their environment.