Dora to help children explore learning
Sue Learner
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Free curriculum-linked activity resources and the opportunity to apply for a grant of up to 20,000 are being offered to nurseries and pre-schools by the children's television channel Nick Jr.
The Help Dora Help activity pack uses Dora the Explorer's adventures as a theme with six curriculum-linked session plans, challenging children to use their imaginations to solve problems.
Practitioners can also use the pack to apply to the Help Dora Help award fund for educational and learning support, which includes funds of up to £20,000, discovery and learning equipment and the opportunity to be featured on Nick Jr.
The initiative is being backed by the Prince's Foundation for Children and the Arts.
Tina McCann, managing director of Nickelodeon UK, said, 'The campaign mirrors the very essence of what Dora the Explorer and Nick Jr offer - early years development and personal discovery.'
Collete Ford, deputy manager of Swanage children's centre in Dorset, said she has found Dora the Explorer is a great role model for learning through exploration. 'She demonstrates powers of observation, a sense of curiosity and the ability to solve problems - all skills that we introduce and encourage in the early years setting.'
To apply for the award fund, children at early years settings have to fill Dora the Explorer's backpack with items for an adventure with Dora.
Settings can send in their entries or upload a photo of their entry to the Nick Jr website along with their award fund applications.
Further information
Practitioners can register for the free Help Dora Help activity and award fund application pack at www.nickjr.co.uk. All entries must be received by 22 July and will be posted on the Nick Jr website gallery before being judged in August.
