Hello everyone,
World Earth Day was last week, and here is a story on that subject – Dear Greenpeace by Simon James. This is a delightful story about a a little girl who is convinced that there is a whale in her pond and writes to Greenpeace to ask how to look after it. Of course, Greenpeace think she’s telling a tall tale until…The empathy and care shown by the characters in the story is one for all of us to remember to give to our world, and ourselves.
Literacy – Talk 4 Writing actions can always be used! This story is fantastic to develop their conversational skills – it’s important that your child can express their likes, dislikes and opinions regarding a story. Whilst one book might be a classic and firm favourite of yours doesn’t meant that everyone in your household will enjoy it as much! Get those discussions going with open – ended questions – What does your child think about Greenpeace’s letters back to the little girl? What is your child’s favourite bit or least favourite? What would they do if they found a whale in their pond or maybe a lion in their garden?! Imitate the story and make up your own adventure with Greenpeace. Don’t accept simple answers when asking your child to elaborate and extend their answers – ‘cuz I like it’ is not a reason! I like it because it made me laugh…etc. Being specific when answering a question will really support them on their learning journey.
Maths – There are all sorts of different maths skills to be practiced using this book relating to size. Take a measuring tape/metre stick/ruler to measure everything around you and make ‘pens/cages/enclosures’, use scales/weights, use jugs/containers for capacity, . Does your child’s toy ‘fit’ into things. How much water will fill a jug, how heavy is your toy? What words can you think of to describe size? Big, large, etc are great but can you extend that vocabulary to include words like huge, gigantic, enormous? See if your child will use those descriptions independently, and if you’re modelling that language it will soon be part and parcel of their daily vocabulary.
Until next time, do good looking for adventures, clean your ears out for good listening and turn your noggins (brains) on for good learning.
Take care and stay safe,
Mrs Howe, Mrs Bain, Mrs Mitzman, Mrs Hill and Mrs Bence