Nursery World - Bob's jobs

Make the most of the popularity of this TV character by using him for learning about building and builders, home furnishing and safety, says Kevin Kelman Children's television characters can be used as an excellent stimulus for meaningful learning experiences. The children's current interest in the television programme, 'Bob the Builder', is an ideal starting point for a mini topic on building a home. Many children will be familiar with the characters of Scoop, Muck, Dizzy and Lofty. You could use one of the many 'Bob the Builder' books or toys to generate discussion within the group, asking the children what each of the characters' function is - for example, Muck transports the soil, rubble and sand to and from the construction site.

Children's television characters can be used as an excellent stimulus for meaningful learning experiences. The children's current interest in the television programme, 'Bob the Builder', is an ideal starting point for a mini topic on building a home. Many children will be familiar with the characters of Scoop, Muck, Dizzy and Lofty. You could use one of the many 'Bob the Builder' books or toys to generate discussion within the group, asking the children what each of the characters' function is - for example, Muck transports the soil, rubble and sand to and from the construction site.

Being able to allow the children to see a building under construction gives them the opportunity to observe and find out about features in their local environment. As real construction sites are dangerous places, this can be done by showing the children some video footage or looking at appropriate non-fiction books.

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