After a morning of a lot of screen time, let’s have a digital detox this afternoon as we did before half term. Below are some suggested choosing time activities that cover all areas of the Early Years curriculum. As always though, these are simply ideas and I know you all have fantastic games and toys at home that you might prefer to play with instead. Whatever you choose to do, have a great afternoon! 

• Personal, Social & Emotional Development – Tidy the Garden. If you have a garden or access to an outdoor area, help to rake or brush up any leaves from the grassed or patio areas outside. Use a damp cloth and soapy water to clean any window sills or garden ornaments. Pull up any weeds or help to trim back plants or bushes with parental supervision

• Communication & Language – Tongue Twisters! Have a go at reciting some well-known tongue twisters. How fast can you do them correctly? For example:
  • Red lorry, yellow lorry…
  • Peter Piper…
  • She sells sea shells…
  • I scream, you scream…

• Physical Development – Cotton Bud Colours. Use cotton buds and different coloured paints to create a painting. You could make a dotty picture (pointillism)! You will need to really concentrate and take your time to make small dots. Once you have created your masterpiece, experiment with different techniques – drag or slide the cotton bud or try splattering the paint on to paper. Make a messy picture if you want!

• Literacy – Wet Words. It sounds like a lot of you enjoyed this so why not have another go. Get a cup of water and a paintbrush. Go outside and paint words and letter on the wall outside. Or if you have a chalkboard – it will work well on there too.

• Maths – What’s my Number? Knowing and being able to recall a parent’s or carer’s phone number is a really important skill. Try hard to learn it off by heart. Can you write it down? Break it down into chunks to make it easier.

• Understanding the World – When I Grow Up. Speak to lots of different relatives and family friends about their jobs. Find out where your grandparents or great grandparents worked. What do you want to be when you grow up?

• Expressive Arts & Design – Pet Portraits. Get your coloured pencil, pens or paints and have a go at painting a portrait of your pet! If you don’t have a pet, you could paint a soft toy instead.