Children's interests in pirates may arise in a variety of ways - from a favourite toy, a story or a well-loved film. The world of pirates is one that exists in that hazy land between fact and fiction. While it is true that they exist, it is not the truth about the pirates that we really want children to explore! Instead, we want the pirates that are the stuff of stories - travelling the vast oceans, carefree and adventuring, searching for treasure on beautiful islands.
There can be no doubt that this predictable centre of interest will stimulate lots of exciting play-based learning opportunities, both indoors and outdoors. Ships can be built, seas sailed and exciting discoveries made. Practitioners will need to think carefully about how they respond to and interact with children's weapon play.
Most children will know that pirates had swords, and how they used them! Consistency of approach, and an examination of attitudes is important, in order to support children's play most effectively.
Remember that a pirate topic is an excellent opportunity to get outside, whatever the weather! As far as I am aware, pirates didn't just set sail when the sun was shining.
Building a simple pirate ship can be a great source of pleasure for everyone, and is far more challenging for the children than the ready-made variety. Make sure that you also involve the children in equipping your seafaring vessel, maybe from junk modelling materials and objects made from construction equipment especially for the purpose. Add a ship's log to record exciting events, and you are ready to set sail on an amazing journey!
SMALL-WORLD AREA
Create a pirate island in a builder's tray or similar container using:
- some pirate figures - these must be waterproof (see resource box for suppliers);
- some small-world animals to support the theme, such as sharks, whales, octopus;
- a range of natural materials, including small logs, pebbles, gravel, shingle;
- access to water.
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Story making
Problem solving
Sorting and classifying
Sequencing and ordering
Counting
Exploring the properties of materials
ADULT ROLE
First, build the small world with a group of children. Listen for the mathematical language that they use when deciding how to organise the small world. You will also be able to observe a wide range of story language being used as children breathe life into the characters.
The adult could add:
Map-making equipment, small plastic bottles, writing implements for:
- Mark-making
- Children's own maps and diagrams
- Non-narrative writing (lists, instructions, etc)
Camera, still and moving image, which can be used for:
- Capturing images from the small world to use for bookmaking
- Filming children's own narratives, to share with others
Musical instruments which can be used for:
- Creating sound effects for the small world
- Accompanying newly composed songs based on the small-world play.
- Creating musical patterns inspired by the environment (waves rushing to the shore, the crunch of footsteps on shingle, etc)
Laminated cards with related rhymes and songs which can be used for:
- Sharing together
- Reading
- Singing
A treasure chest full of treasure which can be used for:
- Extending vocabulary
- Making patterns
- Counting sorting and classifying
CREATIVE WORKSHOP
Provide in this area:
- some plain cardboard treasure chests (see Resource box for details) - a selection of tissue papers, for tearing - glitter, small jewels, etc - glue, glue spreaders - paint powder and containers, for children to mix their own paints - a selection of brushes
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Extending vocabulary
Making patterns
Exploring texture
Responding in a variety of ways to what they see, hear, think and feel
Developing motor skills
ADULT ROLE
The adult could engage with the children to talk about:
- Patterns
- Texture in three dimensions
- Ways of representing
- Storytelling
By asking such questions as:
- I wonder whose treasure this might be ...?
- Where do you think would be the best place to hide it?
- How would you feel if you discovered all this treasure ...?
CONSTRUCTION PLAY
Design and build a fantastic pirate galleon.
In this area, provide:
- a range of construction equipment
- cardboard boxes
- junk modelling materials
- masking tape
- a range of fabrics.
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Developing motor skills
Making stories
Extending vocabulary
Solving problems, measuring, estimating
Building and constructing with a wide range of materials
ADULT ROLE
The adult could add:
Clipboards and drawing board which can be used for:
- mark-making and recording
- drawing, designing and planning
Large sheets of paper, felt pens and photo holders (the type with a crocodile clip) which could be used for:
- creating maps
- inventing imaginary worlds
- making signs and labels
Overhead transparencies printed with images of the sea and desert islands. (Use an overhead projector to show these behind the construction play area, so that children will have a sense of sailing the oceans.) This will encourage:
- using their imagination in role play and stories
GRAPHICS AREA
In this area provide:
- a range of book-making materials so that children can make marks about their experiences or produce their own pirate books. Make sure that you add paper that looks old and mysterious. This is easily done by painting plain white paper with cold tea and allowing it to dry
- pirate pencils and memo pads, available from www.bakerross.co.uk. Exciting equipment such as this will inspire many children to write
- scissors that cut wavy-edged borders, so that children can give their writing, drawing and mark making a watery edge
- plenty of clipboards so that children can write in any area of the setting.
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
- Co-operation and collaboration
- Talking for a variety of purposes
- Writing for a range of purposes
- Exploring and experiment with sounds, words and texts
ADULT ROLE
- Responding positively and valuing children's independent attempts at writing.
- Planning shared writing sessions based on children's ideas, to demonstrate writing strategies and to develop understanding of the relationship between spoken and written language.
- Providing a place for children to display their writing, for example, a noticeboard.
OUTDOOR AREA
Why not use the theme of pirates as an opportunity for physical development?
Teach the children the following pirate rhyme:
When I was one,
I ate a bun.
The day I went to sea.
I jumped aboard a pirate ship,
And the captain said to me,
We're going, this way, that way,
Forwards and backwards,
Over the Irish Sea.
A bottle of rum, to warm my tum,
And that's the life for me.
When I was two,
I buckled my shoe ...
When I was three,
I banged my knee ...
When I was four,
I knocked on the door ...
When I was five,
I learned to dive ...
Perform the rhyme in the outdoor area. Children can really let off steam, invent actions and incorporate it into outdoor role play.
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Moving with imagination
Moving with confidence and control
Recognising the changes that happen to their bodies when they are active
Recreating roles and experiences, imaginative play
Responding in a variety of ways to what they see, hear and feel
ADULT ROLE
- Support children's individuality and creativity in creating movements and dance routines
- Record the outcomes of this activity through photography, still and moving images.
- Help the children invent new verses. This will need lots of conversational support and exploration.
- Develop a pirate dance with the children. Think about simple actions that can be combined in a pattern - for example, looking through a telescope, reading a map, climbing up the rigging. The children will no doubt think of many more.
- Work with the children in small groups to develop their dance and make opportunities for them to see each others' work.
- Celebrate their achievements by filming their performances.
Visit www.purplemarmalade.com where, for a small fee, you can download some pirate songs that are wonderful for the Foundation Stage, and would offer further dance opportunities for the children.
BOOK AREA
- Obtain a selection of the books recommended in the Book Box.
- Display them as a collection children can readily access for themselves.
- Where possible, ensure there are multiple copies of some of the books that prove the most popular. This will encourage children to share books together.
- Use the collection in read aloud sessions, non-fiction as well as fiction. Discuss the pictures, pick out some fascinating facts; encourage the children to be experts and let them talk to you about what they already know.
- Add relevant magazines to the book corner. Children may bring some of these in of their own accord.
ADULT ROLE
- Make time to observe the children who use the book corner, and their reading preferences.
- Encourage the use of the books in other areas, including outdoors.
RESOURCE BOX
Building up a collection of resources around pirates is an enjoyable and exciting thing to do. The very beginnings of a collection are outlined below, but make sure that practitioners, parents and children know that this collection can be added to at any time. Many children will have related resources at home that can be loaned to the resource bank for a short time.
To support children's interest in pirates, have at the ready:
- a collection of pirate-related small-world figures. These are readily available from a variety of sources, including www.yellow-door.net
- treasure chests that can be decorated by individual children, which will have a variety of uses. These can be obtained at www.shop.kidzcraft.co.uk
- a selection of fabric samples for use in small-world play, or block play. You will find a wide range at www.dickorydockdesigns.co.uk
- a range of poems and songs related to pirates, typed up and laminated for use with the children
- books, both fiction and non-fiction (see Book Box, page 22)
- treasure. This is available in a variety of forms, including acrylic treasure and magic gravel from www.yellow-door.net and gems from www.tts-shopping.com
- a compass, or two. The Optic Wonder from www.mindstetchers.com is ideal
- a pirate puppet; some are available from www.puppetsbypost.com
- map-making equipment.
EXPLORING CHILDREN'S INTERESTS
Tuning in
Making opportunities to talk to parents and carers is an important way of finding out about children's current interests and about what matters to them. Such information helps practitioners provide a curriculum that is relevant and meaningful.
Having an existing interest in a particular theme means that children approach it with interest and expertise, giving them confidence and increased motivation to engage in the activities provided.
Children can use this expertise best in carefully planned, open-ended learning opportunities without prescribed uniform outcomes.
Continuous provision
Any significant interest that a child or children may have should be explored by enhancing a setting's continuous provision - that is, by adding theme-based resources to the main areas of quality provision, which can deliver the learning outcomes expected under the EYFS.
By taking this approach, children can choose to engage with the theme or pursue their own interests and learning independently.
The areas of continuous provision should be: Role play, Small-world play, Construction play, Sand and water, Malleable materials, Creative workshop area, Graphics area, Book area
Adult role
If children's interests are to be used to create the best possible learning opportunities, the adult role is crucial.
Adults need to be able to:
- enhance continuous provision to reflect children's interests
- use enhancements to plan meaningful learning opportunities across all areas of the EYFS
- know when to intervene in children's play and when to stand back
- recognise that children will need a suitable length of time to explore any area of provision to develop their own ideas
- models skills, language and behaviours
- recognise how observation, assessment and reflection upon children's play can enhance their understanding of what young children know and should inform their future planning
Areas of Learning
- Personal, social and emotional development
- Communication, language and literacy
- Problem-solving, reasoning and numeracy
- Knowledge and understanding of the world
- Physical development
- Creative development
BOOK BOX
There is no shortage of children's books about pirates! It seems to be a topic that inspires many authors.
Make sure that the children know that they can add to the selection of books that you have chosen with texts they can contribute themselves - magazines, comics and media- related material, such as 'Pirates of the Caribbean' merchandise.
Pirate Pete by Nick Sharratt (Walker Books) This is a story that can be different every time you read it, due to its clever 'pop in the slot' format, and it's great to share with a small group. Add photos of the children to the selection of props so that they, too, can be in the story.
The Night Pirates written by Peter Harris and illustrated by Deborah Allwright (Egmont Books) is a beautifully written book with wonderful illustrations. It is sure to stimulate the imagination, and children will be fascinated by the layout of the print, not to mention the twinkly stars.
Come Away from the Water, Shirley by John Burningham (Red Fox). This is perhaps my favourite pirate book of all. The text consists of the voice of the Shirley's mum, exhorting her to be careful on the beach, while the pictures tell a wonderful story of Shirley's adventure with the pirates. A great celebration of the imagination of young children.
Lila Pirate by Georgie Birkett (Simon & Schuster Children's Books) It is good to see a female pirate. Lila is a real heroine of the seas. This book has bold, simple but attractive illustrations, with a lyrical rhyming text - all ingredients to make it a firm favourite with the children and inspire some role-play both indoors and out.
Don't Mention Pirates by Sarah McConnell (Hodder Children's Books) Another book with a pirate heroine! Scarlet Silver would love to be a pirate just like her Grandma, but her family disapprove. This could inspire a range of discussions, not just about pirates but also about families, hopes and dreams.
Shiver Me Timbers! A Fun Book of Pirates, Sailors and Other Sea-Farers illustrated by Chris Brown (Marion Boyars Publishers). This book is full of pirate facts that you could share with the children. Keep a copy in your pirate ship role-play area to inspire all kinds of questioning and discussion.
Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs written by Giles Andreae and illustrated by Russell Ayto A mesmerising adventure about a little boy who is sent to the stock cupboard by his class teacher and ends up having an incredible adventure. Combining pirates and dinosaurs, it makes for a very appealing adventure.
