The children were having so much fun playing in the January snow. But we knew that it would be short lived, so we planned a follow-up 'snow experience' which lasted for over a week and proved to be just as popular as the real thing.
We provided a pop-up tent as a frame for an igloo in our arctic landscape.
A white sheet draped over the tent was marked with a pen to represent snow bricks. Small cardboard boxes were covered in white paper and were used by the children to build snow walls. Blankets and warm clothes were provided inside the igloo. The environment was so authentic that children were reluctant to venture out without their hats and scarves.
The more adventurous children indulged in winter sports, including skiing and sledging. Padded mats covered in white fabric made convincing slopes, and skis were easy to make by attaching an old pair of socks or gym shoes to strips of heavy card. Long cardboard tubes made effective ski poles, and another popular addition was an inexpensive plastic sledge.
Magnetic fishing rods were used to catch fish in an icy pool, created from a sheet. The opportunities for role-play were endless, and many children revisited the area time after time, exploring and developing imaginative ideas and story themes.
Other areas of the curriculum were also promoted through this focus. For example, we found exciting opportunities for scientific investigation through imaginative small-world play in the water tray. Large blocks of ice represented icebergs and arctic creatures were included. As the ice melted, the water became deeper and the icebergs smaller, prompting discussion about the changes that take place during the melting and freezing processes.
We're now looking forward hopefully to a summer heatwave and perhaps a Caribbean experience!
Managers of Wetherby St James Pre-school in West Yorkshire, Janet Miles and Sally Dodgson, spoke to partnership advisory teacher Jane Drake.
