Alongside Toy Story, the other big obsession in our house is Minions. When the boys were planning their birthday party, they decided to have a minion theme.
Finn (4) and Ioan (6) had each made their own minion cupcakes and they laid them out in the shape of their birthday number.
We split the children into groups and each group was given a Minion themed challenge to complete within 5 minutes.
Challenge 1
Resources
- Sand/water tray
- Bath toy minions
- Selection of tweezers and tools
- Coloured items: pom poms, rainbow pebbles, buttons, pegs, feathers, lollipop sticks
Method
The children had to sort the yellow and blue objects out from the coloured ones, using only the tools provided.
Challenge 2
Resources
- Stuart
- Grimm’s large stepped pyramid
- Tape measure
Method
The towers all varied in shape and height, but this was the tallest of all the groups. It measured 1 metre 58cm (62 inches). As you can see our smallest minion was keen to get his hands on it!
Challenge 3
Resources
- Tuff tray
- Yellow and blue ball pool balls
- Large and small straws
Method
There were different techniques for sorting the balls. Most groups started off trying to blow the balls into position but found that tricky. They then experimenting using the straws to hit the balls, one team chose to bend their straws to make little hockey sticks. The fastest time was 4 minutes 15 seconds, despite Cian stealing the balls from the tray!
Challenge 4
Resources
- Marble run
- Yellow and blue marbles
Method
The groups all tackled this challenge differently, but I enjoyed seeing the teamwork. In order to build a successful marble run a lot of communication was required.
Challenge 5
Resources
- Magnatiles
- Bath toy minions
Method
This was one of my favourite challenges to watch. Every team had their Magnatiles collapse at least once, I always find it interesting to see how they deal with a set back. Magnatiles are brilliant for teaching perseverance and learning how to deal with a set back.
We had two very happy birthday Minions, now we have two weeks to prepare for a first birthday!
DfES Early Learning Goals (2017)
Communication and language
ELG 01 – Listening and attention:
Children listen attentively in a range of situations. Children respond to what they hear with relevant comments, questions or actions. They give their attention to what others say and respond appropriately, while engaged in another activity.
ELG 02 – Understanding:
Children follow instructions involving several ideas or actions. They answer ‘how’ and ‘why’ questions about their experiences and in response to 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 handle equipment and tools effectively.
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 07 – Managing feelings and behaviour:
Children work as part of a group, and understand and follow the rules. They adjust their behaviour to different situations, and take changes of routine in their stride.
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.
Mathematics
ELG12 – Shape, space and measures:
Children use everyday language to talk about size, weight, capacity, and position to compare quantities and objects and to solve problems.
