Resources – sticks, leaves and string

Implementation

This activity needs a lot of focus, time and adult support when needed, but is a great activity to encourage concentration and fine motor control. It can be made simpler with less string to thread through.

Make a square with the sticks and string, then tie lengths of string across to weave the leaves through. There are lots of leaves around of varying colours to make colour patterns, what do you observe when you look through it at the sun?

Intent – Learning Goals

Characteristics of Effective Learning

Being involved and concentrating

• Maintaining focus on their activity for a period of time
• Showing high levels of energy, fascination
• Not easily distracted
• Paying attention to details
• Finding ways to solve problems
• Finding new ways to do things

Keeping on trying

• Persisting with activity when challenges occur
• Showing a belief that more effort or a different approach will pay off

• Bouncing back after difficulties

Enjoying achieving what they set out to do

• Showing satisfaction in meeting their own goals
• Being proud of how they accomplished something – not just the end result

• Enjoying meeting challenges for their own sake rather than external rewards or praise

Making links

• Making links and noticing patterns in their experience
• Making predictions
• Testing their ideas
• Developing ideas of grouping, sequences, cause and effect

Choosing ways to do things

• Planning, making decisions about how to approach a task, solve a problem and reach a goal

• Checking how well their activities are going
• Changing strategy as needed
• Reviewing how well the approach worked

Finding out and exploring

• Showing curiosity about objects, events and people
• Using senses to explore the world around them
• Showing particular interests

Being willing to ‘have a go’

• Seeking challenge
• Showing a ‘can do’ attitude
• Taking a risk, engaging in new experiences, and learning by trial and error