Early Years Foundation Stage – Free Range Childhood

Counting and number recognition. The use of sand paper letters gives multi sensory levels to learning, addiding a tactile element so crucial in the early years. Hear the number name, see the number and feel the shape of the number through tracing the sandpaper.

Involving the children in creating the props and resources gives them a sense of ownership, pride and interest in the learning environment. Whilst child led play and exploration is more conducive to learning than adult led, directive activities, in this instance, direction was necessary. The environment has to be “correct” even if the play isn’t, otherwise it doesn’t support learning. Of course in this case, I am both parent and “teacher” and there are constraints on my time at home to prepare activities.

Scented playdough (no microwave, no cream of tartar recipe!). For each scent; 1.5 cups plain flour, 0.75 cup salt, 0.5 cup warm water, 1 tbsp oil, 0.5 milkshake powder, few drops of food colouring.

Role playing an ice cream parlour. Sensory exploration; colours, textures, scents. Imaginative play. Motor skills; pouring, spooning, scooping. Language development. Counting (scoops and exchange of money).

In this post you’ll find a compilation of Gruffalo (Julia Donaldson & Axel Schedfler) themed early years activities and interest tray.

Take a stroll through the deep, dark wood…

A Gruffalo Hunt. Make a list in advance of your adventure (we used pictures), pack a pen and tick each character off as you find them. Story recall is assured in this adventurous bout of active learning!

A feast fit for a Gruffalo…

🦊 Roasted Fox – Sweet Potato Wedges
🐍 Scrambled Snake – Wholemeal Pasta (dyed with green colouring!) & Cucumber
🦉 Owl Ice Cream – Vanilla Ice Cream with smashed up Milk Chocolate and Waffer Fingers
🐁 Mouse on Bread – Quorn Sausages with Ketchup on Bread
Gruffalo Crumble – Blueberry Muffins

Interactive story telling…

“Gruffalo Crumble…”

Gruffalo Cake

Chocolate cupcakes, chocolate butter icing, chocolate buttons, coloured chocolate beans, fondant icing, writing icing 👌

“He has terrible tusks and terrible claws, and terrible teeth in his terrible jaws… He has knobbly knees and turned-out toes and a poisonous wart at the end of his nose… His eyes are orange, his tongue is black, he has purple prickles all over his back”