Calendar Dates
- Enterprise week 29th April 2024
- Enterprise week 30th April 2024
- Enterprise week 1st May 2024
Child Initiated 1
Child Initiated Activity 1
Wednesday 23rd June
Activity 1: Design a football badge
Objective: (1) To plan and create a picture for a purpose
Watch the short ‘Hey Duggee’ cartoon on BBC iPlayer (or via Youtube):
Hey Duggee – Series 1 Episode 40: The Football Badge: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b060kxqy/hey-duggee-series-1-40-the-football-badge
Now, using an A4 size piece of paper have a go at designing your own football badge.
Begin by choosing and drawing your favourite shape to be the outline of the badge (e.g. large circle, triangle, diamond or ‘shield’ shape).
Now think about what you would like to draw inside the badge.
You may want to include the following features:
- Name – what will you call your team (e.g. Super Kickers, Team Unicorn, Football Wizards, Fairies United, etc.)
- Emblem – what will you choose as the main picture to represent your team (e.g. a dragon, lion, fairy, unicorn, football, a bolt of lightening, etc)
- Colours – will you make a pattern with one or two favourite colours or include lots of different colours?
Please remember to upload your posters to Tapestry so we can see all your brilliant designs! 😊
Tuesday 22nd June
Activity 1: Summer Time - How to keep safe in the sun
Objective: (1) To learn about ways to keep safe in the sun;
(2) To draw and write for a purpose using phonic skills
Summer is here and we all love to play outside in the lovely warm weather. But it is important that we keep safe, too, and that we protect our bodies from the sun’s powerful rays.
Take a look at the PDF document ‘All About Sun Awareness’. Then grab some paper and some coloured pencils or pens and make your own poster to help tell others how to keep safe in the sun during summer.
You may want to include the following features in your poster:
- Title – a message at the top of your poster telling us what this is all about (i.e. keeping safe in the sun)
- Drawings – showing us what types of things to use or remember to do (e.g. a hat, sunglasses, etc.)
- Labels / sentences – explaining what we need to do in the sun (e.g. ‘Water – Drink lots of water to hydrate’)
Please remember to upload your posters to Tapestry so we can see all your brilliant designs! 😊
Monday 21st June
Activity 1: Learn about Euro 2020 (Summer 2021)
Objective: (1) To learn about the European Football Tournament;
(2) Find out about different countries taking part and where to find them on a map of Europe
Today let’s find out about the European Football Tournament – known as Euro 2020, although it is taking place now in 2021. England, Wales and Scotland are playing in the tournament and you may have already watched a football match on TV with your friends and family.
Take a look at the PDF document ‘All about Euro 2020’. You could then:
- Pick a country and find it on a map with the help of a grown up
- Write some interesting facts about your chosen country
- Watch a game on TV with a grown up and learn more about the sport of football
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Friday 5th March
Make a 3D butterfly picture
Objective: (1) To create for a purpose;
(2) To combine materials and techniques to produce a desired effect
To celebrate the arrival of Spring we have some cool 3D butterfly craft for you try today.
Watch the video (below) and have fun creating your own version.
Remember, you do not need a butterfly template – simple draw a big butterfly shape outline on a piece of A4 paper or card and cut it out.
Then colour and decorate as you wish.
If you do not have googley eyes or pipe cleaners, try to find an alternative (e.g. small buttons, string, etc.) or simply draw the eyes and add strips of paper or card for the antennae. Whichever way you choose to design it your butterfly will look great, so please share your pictures with us on Tapestry 😊
How to make a 3D butterfly picture: https://iheartcraftythings.com/butterfly-template.html
Name the story game
Objective: (1) To listen carefully and respond appropriately with ideas;
(2) To take part in World Book Day
As it’s World Book Day let’s play a game of ‘Name that story’
Without your child seeing the pictures on screen, read the story descriptions on the game cards (below) and ask your child to listen very carefully to the clues.
Can they name the story the card is describing? If they get stuck, then show them the picture to give them an extra visual clue.
If there are some stories here that your child hasn’t read, try looking them up on the Internet and enjoy reading them - it’s always great to discover a new story together! 😊
Extra activity idea: You could always try making some new story clue cards for other books you know and like, and see if other members of your family or friends can name that story.
Wednesday 3rd March
The Zoo Vet – Story and Role play
Objective: (1) To listen to a story;
(2) To learn about caring for animals in need;
(3) To use props to support role play
Today let’s take a look at how we take care of wild animals by reading the story of The Zoo Vet (PDF below).
Now, can you set up a vet’s surgery for your toys at home?
Can you take their temperature, apply bandages, wrap them up warm and listen to their heartbeats?
You could also write down their symptoms and the treatments they will need to get better.
Remember the animals will also need food, water, exercise and lots of love and hugs.
Tuesday 2nd March
Find out how to care for pets and other animals
Objective: (1) To find out what animals need to live, grow and stay healthy;
(2) To find things out using the Internet;
(3) To write for a purpose
Today let’s think a little more about what animals need to live and grow.
First click on the weblink (below) and listen to the short song.
Can you remember what the 4 things all animals need to live and grow?
Animals and pets also need some other things to stay healthy and happy, such as exercise.
Use the Internet together with your child, just for a short time, to help them discover more about how to care for pets and other animals.
Make a list of the things you find out to share with us on your Tapestry journal 😊
Monday 1st March
All about pets
Objective: (1) To learn about living things such as animals; (2) To draw and write for a purpose
Last week we looked growing a plant – a plant is a living thing that needs soil, sunshine and water to grow.
This week we would like you to think about other living things such as animals, and we will start by looking at pets that you may find in people’s homes.
Take a look at the PDF document ‘All about pets’ (below) and then do the tasks below:
- Draw a picture of the pet that you would like to have
- Make up a name for your pet
- Write a sentence about your pet
Friday 26th February
Make an Indoor Fairy House
Objective: (1) To create for a purpose;
(2) To combine different materials to produce a planned effect
Yesterday we talked about growing seeds and making an ‘anywhere garden’.
So, today let’s have some creative fun and make a fairy house to go alongside them because fairies, as we all know, love gardens and plants.
You may want to make a whole fairy town if you love this idea!
All you need is a paper roll (an empty toilet roll or kitchen roll cut in half), some colouring pens, paper and either glue or some sticky tape.
We have included a few ideas to give you some inspiration but you can make your fairy house however you wish using whatever you can find at home.
Paper Roll Fairy House Example: https://www.craftcreatecook.com/easy-upcycled-cardboard-roll-fairy-house-kids-craft/
Thursday 25th February
Planting a seed (growing tomatoes)
Objective: (1) To understand what a seed needs to grow;
(2) To follow instructions;
(3) To take care of living things;
(4) To observe growth and change over time
With Spring almost here, it’s time to think about growing plants and vegetables.
So today – or sometime over the next week – why not try growing your very own tomato plant at home using this simple idea (see video below).
All you need is a few tomatoes, any type of soil and whatever pot or container you can find around the house or garden.
Once planted, you should see some green shoots spring up from the soil over the next 1-2 weeks.
Take care of the seeds with daily watering (but not too much) and talk about the changes you see over time and what a seed needs to grow.
Wednesday 24th February
Learning about Lent
Objective: (1) To show good listening;
(2) To learn about Lent;
(3) To know about similarities and differences between themselves and others
Today we are going to learn about Lent – this begins on Ash Wednesday and it marks the time of year when Christians prepare for Easter.
Lent lasts for 40 days and during this time many Christians fast, or give up something they like during this time such as a favourite food.
They do this in memory of Jesus Christ, who is said to have fasted for 40 days in the desert.
Click on the attached PDF (below) to find out more and then ask yourself the following questions:
- If you were to give up something that you like for Lent, what would it be?
- Why would it be difficult for you to give it up?
Tuesday 23rd February
Making pancakes
Objective: (1) To listen and follow instructions;
(2) To measure ingredients;
(3) To take part in celebrating Shrove Tuesday
Today let’s have a belated celebration for Shrove Tuesday and make some pancakes.
I am sure you all have a pretty good idea how to make them but we have attached a recipe to help just in case (see link below).
If you do not have all the ingredients at home today please don’t worry, just come back to this activity later in the week when or if you do.
As you cook the pancakes together ask your child to help you measure and mix the ingredients.
After you have enjoyed eating them, ask your child to recall the ingredients and how they made the pancakes – what did they do first, next, then, after that?
What was the last thing they did? This will help them to sequence and order events using the correct language.
Extra Activity: Support your child to write short, simple instructions to help show children in Nursery how to make pancakes.
BBC Good Food Recipe, Instructions with film clip: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/perfect-pancakes-recipe
Monday 22nd February
Learning about Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday
Objective: (1) To show good listening;
(2) To learn what happens on Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday;
(3) To know about similarities and differences between themselves and others
During the holidays something very important happened for Christians.
Last week Shrove Tuesday (also known as ‘Pancake Day’) and Ash Wednesday took place.
Today’s task is to find out about these two important dates in the Christian calendar as we learn about people who may share different beliefs to that of our own.
And just for fun you can try the Pancake Day Quiz to test your knowledge!
Pancake Day Quiz: https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/17042054
Friday 12th February
Making Paper Fortune Cookies (with secret messages)
Objective: (1) To write for a purpose;
(2) To write a short message;
(3) To celebrate Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day
Today let’s decorate and make our own paper fortune cookies – then write some short secret messages to put inside to give to family and friends to celebrate Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day!
You could write something like ‘Good luck!’ or ‘I love you so much’.
The short video below will show you how to make the paper cookies, we’ve tried it ourselves and it does work with or without a little bit of glue.
Tip 1: Try drawing around the bottom of a large mug or small bowl to make your circle templates to cut out.
Tip 2: Colour and decorate your circles on one side (or both if you prefer) before folding to make the fortune cookie shape.
Tip 3: To keep your cookies closed you can also use a paper clip or small peg to hold them together.
Thursday 11th February
Make your own paper heart bracelet
Objective: (1) To create for a purpose;
(2) To celebrate Valentine’s Day
With Valentines Day coming up this weekend we thought that you may like to make some paper heart bracelets for yourself and your family to show them how much you love them 😊
The video (below) helps to give you the idea of how to make a bracelet using just a strip of paper for the band and a picture to stick on the top.
The video uses animal faces but you can draw and decorate a heart shape instead to stick on top of your wrist band, just like in the picture below:
Example paper bracelet with animal faces:
Wednesday 10th February
Chinese New Year – The 12 Animals Story
Objective: (1) To listen and talk about a story;
(2) To learn about the 12 Chinese New Year animals;
(3) To draw and write for a purpose
Today we are going to learn about the legendary tale of the 12 animals which make up the Chinese Zodiac, or calendar.
Each year is named after one of the 12 animals – for example, this year is ‘ Year of the Ox’.
In the story (see PDF below), the Jade Emperor decides to have a race to choose which 12 animals will be included in the Chinese calendar, and the story also shows us some of the characteristics of these animals.
Have a read together and then try the activity below.
Choose your favourite animal from the story and draw a picture of it on a piece of paper; then, using your phonic skills to sound out the letters, write a few labels to describe the animal.
For example, you may want to label the rat as ‘sneaky, tricky or unkind’, the cat as ‘angry, upset, furious’; or the dragon as ‘cool, strong and helpful’.
If you want to draw all 12 animals to make your own Chinese calendar then even better – we would love to see your pictures and labels so please upload them to your Tapestry journals, thank you!
PS. To find the Chinese animal for the year in which you were born, please take a look at the poster (see PDF below).
Tuesday 9th February
Make a Chinese New Year lantern
Objective: (1) To listen and follow instructions;
(2) To create for a purpose;
(3) To take part in celebrating Chinese New Year
As we learned yesterday, lanterns are used to decorate homes and places outdoors during the Chinese New Year. They are a sign of good luck and good health.
You can join in the celebrations by making your own Chinese lantern using just paper / card and some sticky tape.
You will often see rows of lanterns during the Chinese festival so you may want to make more than one to hang up in your home.
Remember, you can colour the lanterns red or choose your favourite colours to decorate in your own way using whatever you have around the house.
Please upload some pictures to your Tapestry journal so to share with us!
How to Make Chinese Paper Lanterns: https://www.google.com/search?q=make+a+chinese+paper+lantern&rlz=1C1GCEB_enGB865GB865&oq=make+a+chinese+paper+lantern&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i22i30l5.6697j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#kpvalbx=_Rs4fYJ68HpmD8gKIiZ_IBw9
Monday 8th February
Finding out about Chinese New Year
Objective: (1) To show good listening;
(2) To learn about Chinese New Year
This week we will finding out lots about Chinese New Year which takes place this Friday 12th February.
It is the most important holiday in China and many celebrations will be taking place around the world – including communities here in the UK where people will celebrate ‘The Year of the Ox’ 2021.
You will find some interesting links below to help you learn more about it.
Once you have taken a look at these, have a chat together about what you can remember about Chinese New Year.
What is it? How do Chinese people get ready for the celebrations? What sorts of things do they do around the house and outside?
What did you think was most exciting and fun about the celebrations and why?
Friday 5th February
Drawing a family picture with caption
Objective: (1) To write own name;
(2) To write a short sentence using phonic knowledge;
(3) To use correct letter formation;
(4) To give meaning to marks
Today we would like you to draw a picture of you and your family and then write a few sentences about them.
Use your tricky word knowledge and phonic skills to sound out the words you wish to write, matching the sounds to the letters.
Please remember to upload your family pictures and sentences to Tapestry, too!
Thursday 4th February
Make your own microphone
Objective: (1) To use recycled materials to create an instrument;
(2) To experiment making different sounds
We have been making musical instruments this week and, of course, one of the best musical instruments we have is our voice!
So today why not make your very own microphone and sing some of your favourite songs?
You could even make up your own song / dance or put on a show. Watch the short video (below) and use what you have at home to make your microphone, or just grab a hairbrush or spoon and pretend.
We would love to see what you come up with so please upload your pictures and videos to Tapestry!
How to Make Your Own Microphone:
Wednesday 3rd February
Finding Dory Musical Statues Game
Objective: (1) To have fun exercising;
(2) To move in different ways;
(3) To listen and respond to musical cues
Dory is always moving, shaking and dancing her way across the ocean, but will you be able to freeze like a statue when the music stops?
Your child will enjoy playing this musical statues game – invite other family members to join in to make it even more fun together!
Dory’s Blue Fin Boogie: https://www.nhs.uk/10-minute-shake-up/shake-ups/dorys-blue-fin-boogie
Tuesday 2nd February
Talking about keeping safe outside and online
Objective: (1) To understand how to keep safe when playing outside or online
Keeping your child safe outside and online is extremely important to us all so today we want you to have a chat to your child about strangers.
Ask your child, what is a stranger? Ask this question as many children struggle to understand the concept.
Explain that strangers are people we do not know. Some strangers are nice, some are not, but because we do not know them we need to know how to keep ourselves safe.
Then take a look at the website ‘Clever Never Goes’ (see link below).
Clever Never Goes is the new, child-friendly advice that teaches children how to stay safe when they are outside (e.g. walking to or from school), or online.
It is about giving your child practical safety skills and confidence to engage with the outside world.
Clever Never Goes Website (NB: Scroll down the page to read the 4 Comic Strips and discuss these with your child): https://clevernevergoes.org/parents-2/
Monday 1st February
Make your own musical instrument
Objective: (1) To use recycled materials to create an instrument;
(2) To experiment making different sounds
This week we will be making musical instruments using recycled materials.
Creating instruments together can be a fun activity and the instruments can then be used to explore different aspects of music. But don’t worry if you haven’t got any of these materials at hand today – just check out the web link below to get some ideas and start collecting things ready for later in the week e.g. empty tissue boxes, pots with lids, used foil or clingfilm tubes, etc. (NB: Elastic bands will also be useful if you can find some!).
From these items you will be able to make your very own guitar, drum, shakers and flutes, or simply try creating shakers by using pasta and rice in empty bottles.
You could also try using bottles either filled with varying degrees of water or empty and scraping them with spoons to make sounds, or just use upturned pans and colanders to tap a beat.
Click here for some great instrument ideas: https://www.cbc.ca/parents/play/view/activity_musical_instruments
Friday 29th January
Exploring our own emotions
Objective: (1) To understand what thoughts are and how we can control them;
(2) To describe and talk about our own thoughts, emotions and feelings
Today we will explore our own thoughts, feelings and emotions just like the colour monster did in our story yesterday.
Firstly, take a look at the ‘Thought Bubbles’ video (below) to helps to explain how thoughts work and how they make us feel.
Next, choose an emotion; close your eyes and remember a time when you felt that way e.g. happy, sad, excited, disappointed.
Have a think:
What colour best represents that thought or emotion for you? Where in your body did you feel that emotion?
Use crayons or pencils to draw a stick figure of yourself.
Use different colours to show the different emotions you are feeling. Choose whatever colour you think best shows the emotion and use that colour in the stick figure to show where in your body you feel that emotion e.g. red for anger in your hands, pink for love in your heart, etc.
Understanding our ‘Thought Bubbles’ video:
Thursday 28th January
‘The Colour Monster’ (Story and activity)
Objective: (1) To listen to and discuss a story;
(2) To describe emotions and feelings;
(3) To draw and label a picture
Watch and listen to ‘The Colour Monster’ and have a chat with your child about the story (see video below).
Think about and answer the following questions with them:
- How did the colour monster feel at the start of the story and why?
- How did the little girl help the monster?
- How did the monster feel at the end of the story?
- Can you remember the six main feelings that colour monster showed us?
- What was your favourite part of the story and why?
Now let’s try drawing the different colour monster feelings using the colours to match (e.g. yellow for ‘happy, blue for ‘sad’).
You could even label them too using your phonics skills; for example, yellow monster is happy, cheerful and smiling whilst red monster is angry, upset, cross and annoyed.
The video below will help you to draw your monster just like in the story using a few easy steps.
Please send us your labelled monster pictures if you get chance!
‘The Colour Monster’ story:
How to Draw Your Own Colour Monster:
Wednesday 27th January
Let’s Dance Trolls
Objective: (1) To have fun exercising;
(2) To move in different ways
Get that sunshine in your pocket and that good soul in your feet as you dance, dance, dance along with the Trolls to this awesome song!
Can you begin to follow some of the moves these children are showing you in the video?
Maybe make up some of your own cool moves, too. Here’s to a wonderful Wednesday everyone!
‘Can’t Stop the Feeling’ Trolls Dance:
Tuesday 26th January
‘All Are Welcome’
(Story and activity)
Objective: (1) To discuss how we are all different and unique; (2) To understand that we treat everyone with kindness and respect
Follow a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcomed with open arms.
‘All Are Welcome’ let’s young children know that no matter what, they have a place, they have a space, and they are welcome in their school.
Watch and listen to the story with your child and have a chat about how we are all different and unique; that we should treat others with respect, not only in our school but in our local community and wider world.
Then ask your child what makes them special and unique.
Can they draw a picture of themselves (or a friend) and label it with these special qualities?
For example, you may want to use words such as kind, caring, funny, helpful or creative, or how they or a friend are great at dancing, football, drawing or writing, etc.
Please share your picture and special list with us on Tapestry or by email: yr@anglesey.bham.sch.uk
Click on the following link to watch and listen to the story ‘All Are Welcome’:
Monday 25th January
‘The Pinocchio’ Dance
Objective: (1) To have fun exercising; (2) To move in different ways
This week we will be learning how to make and play with puppets so what better way to start off than with ‘The Pinocchio!’
Based on the famous wooden puppet whose nose grows longer each time he tells a lie, this simple dance is a great way to get active whilst practicing parts of the body together with left & right.
Once you have the hang of it, you may want to add your own moves too. Remember, the more the merrier so invite your family to join you and have fun!
Click on the video below to watch The Pinocchio Dance:
Friday 22nd January
Exploring everyday household tools
Objective: (1) To identify different tools and their uses;
(2) To choose the right tool for a particular purpose
NB: The following activity will require adult supervision at all times.
Together with your child, have a hunt around the house for some familiar ‘tools’ – the kitchen is great source of utensil-type tools – and have a chat and/or demonstrate the different uses these have and when you would use them.
For example, a tin opener to open tin cans, a scissors to cut paper or string, a bottle opener to open bottle tops, etc.
PLEASE BE CAREFUL as some of these everyday tools and utensils can be dangerous (which, in turn, provides some additional teaching & learning for your child about how to manage safety and risk).
If you have a toolbox at home, explore some of the tools inside, again being careful to handle them safely.
For example, you may have a hammer, a screw driver, spanner or radiator key kept in the box.
If possible, show your child how these tools work and when we would use them and for what purpose – you may be surprised how keen they are to learn about them!
As an extra challenge, you could select a few things which require a tool and ask your child if they can identify the correct match.
For example: a piece of paper, a tin can, a remote control with screw fastening at the back – which tool would they choose to cut the paper, open the can or change the battery in the remote?
Ways to keep clean (dance video)
Objective: (1) To remember different ways to keep ourselves clean;
(2) To move your body in rhythm to music
Watch the children’s video all about personal hygiene (see video below).
Did you and your child spot all the different ways we keep ourselves clean and healthy?
Try watching the video again and begin to copy some of the moves in time with the music.
Can you think of new or different moves to show the same ideas?
Perhaps you can come up with new moves to show bathing / showering and hand washing.
You may even want to use a different song and record your dance to share with your teachers or upload to Tapestry?
Happy dancing!
Click on the video below to watch the dance:
Wednesday 20th January
Activity 1: Germs experiment
Objective: (1) To understand why washing your hands (and body) is so important
CBeebies’ Ben and Evie have done their version of the amazing pepper and soap experiment, watch as they show you why washing your hands (and your body) is so important (see the video below).
Perhaps you and your child could have a go at doing this experiment, too.
Your child will be amazed and it will help to remind them visually that using soap when washing literally makes “germs” scatter and move away.
Click on the following link to watch the germ experiment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/watch/germs-experiment
As a follow up activity, why not create some ‘germ art’ using either water paint and a straw (if you have it) or simply use colouring pens or crayons to create the ‘blobs’.
Tip: If you don’t have any googly eyes, just draw some on paper, cut them out and stick them on top of the splashes of paint (when dry) or pen coloured blobs using glue or sticky tape.
Add some arms and legs with a pen to make each ‘germ’ character a different look. Remember to share your work with us on Tapestry.
Tuesday 19th January
Activity 1: Salt dough bakery
Objective: (1) To use props to support role play of familiar story;
(2) To create simple representations of things using imaginative play
Salt dough is really easy to make and it lasts for a long time if you keep it in the fridge when it’s not being used.
Have fun making this dough together and see what your child remembers about the Little Red Hen’s experience of making bread – did she have help to make her dough?
How did that make her feel, etc.
Once you have made your salt dough you can pretend to open ‘Little Red Hen’s Bakery’ and make bread and other things such as cakes and donuts.
Follow your child’s lead in this imaginative play; for example, they may want to make ‘birthday cakes’ for their special toys or family members or open an ice cream shop instead.
Tip: If your child wants to keep what they have made, just leave the salt tough creations to air dry (or cook them on a low temperature in the oven for a short time).
Once hardened, you can even paint and decorate them.
Click on the following link for the simple salt dough recipe: https://www.redtedart.com/easy-salt-dough-recipe-toy-bakery/?cn-reloaded=1
Click play on the video below to watch and listen to ‘The Little Red Hen’ story:
Monday 18th January
Happy Monday everyone!!
Activity 1: Helping Heihei – A ‘Moana’ exercise game
Objective: (1) To have fun exercising; (2) To move in different ways
After stowing away on Moana's boat, Heihei unintentionally keeps walking overboard.
Can you help guide him to safety?
This is a simple and fun game to get your child active and moving as well as listening to instructions – just click on the link below to find out how to play.
Remember to take turns so your child can have a go at giving instructions, too!
Click on the following link to find out how to play: https://www.nhs.uk/10-minute-shake-up/shake-ups/helping-heihei
