The Foundation Stage 1 (FS1) school curriculum lays the groundwork for a child’s academic, emotional, and social development. Designed for children aged three to four years, the curriculum focuses on nurturing curiosity, creativity, and independence through play-based and structured learning.
Some of the key learning goals of the curriculum at FS1 schools in Dubai include:
Personal, social, and emotional development
A key goal of the FS1 curriculum is to nurture children’s emotional intelligence and social skills. Activities are designed to help children build relationships, develop empathy, and work collaboratively with peers. Teachers encourage independence by allowing children to make choices, solve problems, and manage their feelings.
Communication and language development
FS1 schools place significant emphasis on developing communication and language skills. Children are encouraged to expand their vocabulary, express themselves confidently, and listen attentively. Storytelling, songs, and role-playing activities are commonly used to improve verbal and non-verbal communication.
Physical development
The FS1 curriculum promotes both fine and gross motor skills through a variety of physical activities. Fine motor skills are developed through tasks like drawing, cutting, and manipulating small objects, while gross motor skills are improved through activities like running, jumping, and climbing. Physical health and hygiene are also taught to establish good habits early on.
Literacy and numeracy foundations
Early literacy and numeracy are introduced in FS1 to prepare children for the next stage of their education. Literacy activities include recognising letters, phonics, and mark-making, while numeracy involves learning numbers, shapes, patterns, and basic counting. These foundational skills are taught in engaging, playful ways to keep children interested and motivated.
Understanding the world
The FS1 curriculum helps children explore and understand the world around them. Through hands-on experiences, children learn about nature, technology, and cultural diversity. These activities nurture curiosity and a sense of wonder about their environment.
Expressive arts and design
Creativity is a vital part of the FS1 curriculum. Children are encouraged to explore their imagination through art, music, dance, and drama. These activities help them express themselves while developing fine motor skills and confidence.
By understanding the learning goals of FS1 school curriculum, parents and educators can work together to provide the support and encouragement children need for a successful start to their educational journey.