Unique Child Health: Spiral of learning

Jerome Bruner referred in 1960 to the need of education practitioners to respect the ways of thought of the growing child. He developed this idea further in 1977, proposing that any subject could be taught to a child at any age, provided the information was presented in a form the child could engage with. This is the foundation of one of Bruner's major educational concepts - the spiral curriculum. Bruner recognised that knowledge and skills are acquired by extending prior experiences. Understanding, knowledge and skills then develop further as the child grows older and concepts are repeatedly revisited.

The spiral curriculum approach is embedded in the Early Years Foundation Stage. The first, simple, health-related messages are delivered through developmentally appropriate experiences. The EYFS Practice Guidance (Health and Bodily Awareness, pages 98-99) indicates that as children begin to develop preferences for foods, effective practitioners respect their choices, encourage them to try something new and healthy, and involve them in food preparation. As children practise and develop what they can do, effective practitioners establish routines that enable children to look after themselves. As children show their awareness of a range of healthy practices, effective practitioners talk to them about why they are encouraged to rest.