It is not always necessary to purchase expensive resources to promote the areas of learning! says Allison Clark
In Cyprus, we make regular use of the natural materials found outside in order to promote children's learning across the curriculum, especially the many white stones and the leaves from the rubber tree. However, any small stones that children can easily handle, or durable waxy leaves, are ideal for this activity. Encourage the children to gather some beforehand and then make sure that they have easy access to their collections in the outside area.
Personal, social and emotional development
* Develop excitement and motivation by interacting with the children as they search for items for their collections.
* Stimulate group discussions about the collections and talk about possible ways of using the resources.
Communication, language and literacy
* Encourage the children to form individual letters or names by arranging their stones or leaves on the ground. If they are unable to do this unaided, chalk outlines on concrete for them to cover, or draw the outlines with a stick in soil.
* Continue the activities indoors on a builder's tray, using the same resources as a stimulating alternative to your usual mark-making activities.
Mathematical development
* Suggest forming number symbols with the stones or leaves or using them as counting aids.
* Arrange them in repeating patterns, or organise them into rows according to size.
Knowledge and understanding of the world
* Encourage the children to make comparisons between the textures, colours, shapes and sizes of their leaves and stones.
Physical development
* Develop children's fine motor skills and their hand-eye co-ordination by inviting them to place the leaves and stones in their chosen designs.
Creative development
* Suggest that the children make their own pictures and patterns, providing additional natural materials such as sticks and cones for further stimulation.
* Encourage children to use the resources as pretend food for imaginary meals.
Allison Clark is the teacher in charge at Akrotiri Pre-school, RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus. She sent this idea to Jean Evans.
