Finny ran to us calling, “Yoshi, Cici, Mummy! I did de-pay the books and make a dinosaur nest! Quick come and see!” Then took us all through and proudly showed us his book display.

Resources

  • Non-fiction book about dinosaurs, volcanoes and Planet Earth
  • Fiction books about dinosaurs
  • Small dinosaur figures from Poundland
  • Pebbles
  • Shells
  • Ping pong balls

Method

We loved his ‘book de-pay’. He had set them out on three levels, this is how he has seen me display our topic books before.

He then deconstructed his dinosaur nest, and rebuilt it, giving us step-by-step instructions. Finn is our champion scavenger and loose parts builder!

Ioan excitedly asked Finn, whether he would like him to set up a dinosaur tuff tray to accompany it. There is nothing better than when they spark ideas off each other and play co-operatively.

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.

Personal, social and emotional development

ELG 06 – Self-confidence and self-awareness:

Children are confident to try new activities, and say why they like some activities more than others. They are confident to speak in a familiar group, will talk about their ideas, and will choose the resources they need for their chosen activities. They say when they do or don’t need help.

ELG 08 – Making relationships:

Children play co-operatively, taking turns with others. They take account of one another’s ideas about how to organise their activity. They show sensitivity to others’ needs and feelings, and form positive relationships with adults and other children.