Pebbles and Play

I love the challenge of trying to incorporate natural elements into every area of the classroom.

I particularly love beautiful pebbles and have used them in many different ways. Sometimes I have very specific objectives (as you will see) and other times I encourage the children to explore, discover, imagine and create whatever they like.

Here are a few ideas of ways I have used pebbles in play:

Block Play

Maths - Counting Pebbles

Matching Patterns and Finding Pairs

Light Table - Making Patterns and Pictures

Art and Craft - Painting on Pebbles

Creating Stories with Picture Pebbles

Outdoor Play

Pebbles in Playdough

Classifying Rough and Smooth

Small World Play.....Dinosaurs

.......Farms

......Fairies - add a bit of glitter to you pebbles.

.......Pirates and Mermaids

I hope I have inspired you to incorporate some pebbles into your child's play.

Niccola

Wallpaper Prints

I recently visited a fabulous wallpaper shop as I was thinking about wallpapering my bedroom. When I was there, I saw amazing samples and asked if I could take some to use at school. They happily gave me many samples and I thought I would share one idea that was particularly easy to do. 

These wallpaper prints are so effective and could be used to make wrapping paper, cards, pictures....etc.

Wallpaper Samples

These are just some of the samples I was given.

I have used these wallpaper samples for collage, drawing and colouring. 

As many of my samples have raised prints and are very durable, I decided to do some prints with my class.

Wallpaper Prints

You will need a roller, a tray and some paint.

I chose gold paint because I thought it matched the wallpaper design beautifully.

Get the children to roll the paint all over the wallpaper.

Lay the wallpaper on clean paper and get the children to rub the paper gently.

Lift the wallpaper to reveal your print.

I think it is lovely, don't you?

Check out your local wallpaper or decorating shop and see if they would be happy to give you some samples and see what you can do with them.

Niccola

10 Natural Materials to Add To Playdough

Are you looking for some inspiration to promote investigation, creativity, exploration, fun and learning at the playdough table. Here is a list of items that can be easily found, are free or very inexpensive and and will keep children engaged for ages!

1. Dried Pasta

2. Leaves

3. Pebbles and Stones

4. Sticks

5. Dried Beans, Peas and Rice

6. String

7. Bark

8. Sea Tumbled Glass

9. Gum Nuts

10. Shells

Add one or any of these to your playdough and watch your child learn through hands on play!

I love using natural materials in all areas of my classroom and I am always looking for new ideas.

I'd love to hear from you.

Niccola

Shapes and Playdough

Playdough is one of my classroom staples and I change the colour, purpose, utensils and outcome to suit my programme. I try to present the activity differently so that it is attractive and motivating.

Here are some examples of how I have incorporated basic shapes at the playdough table.

Have some fun with playdough.

Niccola