‘The Achievosaurs’ in EYFS

At BIS Abu Dhabi we like to focus not only on what children are learning, but also on how they are learning.

This term we have introduced learning dinosaurs ‘The Achievosaurs’ in our Early Years classes, which are based on the characteristics of effective learning from the EYFS framework. We will be talking to the children about these dinosaurs and what they represent throughout the year. We have a Characteristics Dinosaur display in each classroom and this will show a particular skill linked to each dinosaur and children will discuss why they have been recognised or celebrated.

What are the ‘Characteristics of Effective Teaching and Learning’?

They run through and underpin the seven areas of learning and development, as detailed in the ‘Early Years Foundation Stage Framework’. They describe learning processes that occur throughout every day activities and experiences and they support the child to remain an effective and motivated learner. They give children skills to be learners for life.

In our Early Years, we foster the Characteristics of Effective Early Learning.

These are:

Playing and Exploring, which encourages children to progress in the following skills: • Finding out and exploring

• Playing with what they know
• Being willing to have a go

Active Learning, which encourages children to progress in the following skills:

• Being involved and concentrating
• Keeping trying
• Enjoying achieving what they set out to do

Creating and Thinking Critically, which encourages children to progress in the following skills:

• Having their own ideas
• Making links
• Choosing ways to do things

What are the Achievosaurs?

There are seven Achievosaurs altogether, each linking to an aspect of the characteristics of effective learning. They enable children to become more aware of how they learn, and give them language to explain the skills they use when learning.

Meet the achievosaurs:

• Explorosaurs are excellent at finding out about things and about the world around them.
• Askaraptors are very talkative learners. They love to ask lots of questions which develop and deepen their knowledge and understanding.
• Tryatops are known for their ability to always try their best in whatever they do. They have a real ‘can do’ attitude.
• Stickasaurus have bags of perseverance and never give up, even when the going gets tough. They are known for sticking at things.
• Solveosaurus Rex work really hard to solve problems and find new ways of doing things.
• Thinkadocus are deep thinkers. They think carefully about what they learn and are able to talk about their thinking and learning.
• Shareadactyls are known for their kindness and ability to share. Whether it is sharing ideas or resources, they always consider others in their learning. They are great team players.

We encourage you to continue using this language at home with your child to promote the achievosaurs, try and catch them being a thinkodocus or solveosaurus!

Claire-Marie Richmond, Head of Early Years