A nursery involved the children in making a cemtrepiece for their neglected creative area in the hope of reviving children's interest in it. They decided on an octopus, a character from a story that they had shared. They made the body from a large paper bag stuffed with newspaper and attached legs made from cardboard tubes with a variety of fasteners. the legs became sound-makers after one child found some beads and recalled an earlier activity constructing rain-makers. The octupus was suspended from the ceiling and became a puppet controlled by a piece of string attached to the body.
In the following weeks, the children made a house for the octopus. Later the children added windows and hinged doors. The area round the house became a reading area, so that stories could be read to the octopus. The octopus had to be fed, too, so the area became a favourite snack-time location. And letters were written to the octopus, and were answered for the following session.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here
