As with a lot of child-led activities, I wasn’t sure what the end goal was when he started this. I watched in fascination as the costume emerged. Ioan knew exactly what he was aiming for and had a clear idea of how to get there.

Resources

Method

While we waited for his t-shirt to dry, Ioan started cutting out scales from some felt.

Next he drew his fin and cut it out.

Then he cut out his tail, sewed the pieces together and stuffed it with wadding.

Once his tail was done, I hand sewed the scales and the tail on to his t-shirt.

You can see the finished costume here.

DfES Early Learning Goals (2017)

Communication and language

ELG 02 – Understanding:

Children follow instructions involving several ideas or actions. They answer ‘how’ and ‘why’ questions about their experiences and in response to stories or events.

ELG 03 – Speaking:

Children express themselves effectively, showing awareness of listeners’ needs. They use past, present and future forms accurately when talking about events that have happened or are to happen in the future. They develop their own narratives and explanations by connecting ideas or events.

Physical development

ELG 04 – Moving and handling:

Children show good control and co-ordination in large and small movements. They move confidently in a range of ways, safely negotiating space. They handle equipment and tools effectively, including pencils for writing.

Expressive arts and design

ELG 16 – Exploring and using media and materials:

Children safely use and explore a variety of materials, tools and techniques, experimenting with colour, design, texture, form and function.

ELG 17 – Being imaginative:

Children use what they have learnt about media and materials in original ways, thinking about uses and purposes. They represent their own ideas, thoughts and feelings through design and technology, art, music, dance, role-play and stories.