Toys

 

 Puppets using different materials

Using the experience and knowledge of the children, we have made a comparative study both historically and culturally, this Spring term. Our topic encompasses the following areas of investigation - In History, we have looked at toys from the past and compared them with the present day; in Geography we have investigated toys from different parts of the world. For Design and Technology, we have designed and made our own puppets and maths board games. In Science we have looked at materials and change and, in Mathematics, we have continued with our number work, using numbers up to twenty, using addition and subtraction. Our maths topic of measure focuses on length and the use of non-standard measures. Writing has been developed through the writing of adventures and plays for the puppet characters.Our literacy focus has been on traditional tales. We have been writing factual information, following our various visits and carrying out research, based on historical and scientific discoveries. We visited the Museum of Childhood and handled artefacts. We looked at wooden Victorian toys, such as spinning and whipping tops, a fascinating sand toy and the zoetrope. We created a survey for our parents and grandparents to find out about their childhood toys. One family lent us a collection of Indian mechanical metal toys from the 1950s and 1960s. We examined them and made detailed observational drawings. We also used photographs of our parents and grandparents with their toys to find out more about toys from the past.

In the second half of the term we will shift our focus onto the Materials component, of our curriculum map, with a visit to the October Gallery, in Holborn, where we will look at the work of the African artist El Anatsui and participate in two workshops on pattern and weaving. El Anatsui works with recycled materials to create collage and woven installations. We will use this as an inspiration for our own work. In conjunction with our topic, we will continue to develop key skills through daily and weekly input and practice. Children develop their social skills in our busy role play corne,r called the Workshop, where they can develop and explore their own ideas and construct them using a variety of materials. Fine motor skills are developed using construction, puzzles, beading , plasticine, clay and cutting and sticking. Gross motor skills are developed through PE activities. This term, our focus has been ball skills, in preparation for team games in the Summer term, together with hand- eye coordination and balance. Through this integrated cross curricular topic, the children have increased their skills, concepts and knowledge and become more independent and autonomous. We have also introduced simple mind- mapping techniques, to focus their thinking skills and organisation. A busy and productive term!
‘How I made my puppet’