The nursery parents are highly involved in creating the number chests and playing with the contents with their children. The rhyme 'There were ten in the bed' is a firm favourite with all, and a typical example of one of the chests.
Planned learning intentions
To display high levels of involvement in activities
To enjoy joining in with number rhymes and songs
To count reliably up to ten everyday objects
Resources
Card laminator ,10 dolly pegs ,fabric ,sewing materials ,digital camera ,computer ,printer ,plastic storage container
Step by step
* Enlist the help of parents to create a small bed, bedding and ten dolls, using the suggested resources. Ensure that one of the dolls is smaller than the rest - it will play the part of 'the little one'.
* Take a photograph of the ten dolls in bed, and then continue to take photographs of the bed, removing a doll each time until it is empty.
* Type out the whole rhyme and print it on card, with a small version of the photograph of the full bed inserted at the top.
* Type out 'There were ten in the bed' and print this on a card underneath a photograph of ten dolls in bed.
* Continue to type out lines of the rhyme, reducing the number of dolls each time and attaching the appropriate photograph above them.
* Type the word 'Goodnight!' at the end of the rhyme, beneath a photograph of the empty bed.
* Put the cards, bed, bedding and dolls in the storage container and attach a rhyme identification label to the front.
* Insert a detailed information guide to support parents in using the resource as a valuable learning opportunity.
Activities
* Make number chests for other favourite rhymes, asking the children for their suggestions as often as possible. Set up a loan scheme with the number chests and invite parents to help organise it.
* Encourage children to request the boxes freely, and support them as they explore the contents.
