Den building has been popular this week. Our sun canopy (rain shelter!) sparked the idea to build a 'tiger den' - so we used our fences outside to create an enclosed area for the tigers! This interest was mirrored inside where we made a house from a cardboard box, before using our mini-tents to create hide-a-way spaces for the children. These spaces were perfect for small groups of 3-4 children to sit and play or simply to talk. One child invited her friends to come and share books in her tent - turning the pages and showing her friends the pictures.
Sensory play has been popular again all week. This week we have explored, playdough, cooked spaghetti, rice, sand, water, mud, shaving foam, and even using mashers to mash potato! Sensory play offers children so many different experiences, including opportunities to tip and pour, development of gross motor skills, and exploration of textures, scents and colours.
Often our sensory play is combined with small world play - so this week we have had underwater exploration with shells and sea creatures, dinosaur fossils to dig up from beneath the sand, bugs hidden in amongst leaves, an African themed tuff tray, and a farm complete with rows of sprouts and radishes for the farmer to plough!
Finally, with October being Black History Month, we have explored ourselves as individuals and considered who we are. Children could use paint to complete self portraits, as well as craft themselves in dough. We read a lovely book called 'Marvelous Me' which encouraged children to talk about what superhero powers they felt they had - helping children to view themselves positively and talk about what they feel they're good at.
Other popular activities this week have included the cars and ramps (again!), hand print painting, construction with Popoids, Megablocks, and wooden blocks, and balancing in the garden.
Ideas to continue the learning at home:
The children have enjoyed creating dens - so why not use a sheet over a table to create a cozy space at home. You could use this space to share stories, talk, or cuddle up with a favourite teddy.