Learning Through Play at Preschool
Scarecrow Building
As a group we researched what scarecrows are and where they originated from. We learned scarecrows were first used in Ancient Egypt to protect the wheat fields from the quails that loved to feed on the farmers wheat. The children were interested in identifying the Egyptian pyramids and the camels used in Egypt's desert conditions.
We also watched a few different ways to design and make a scarecrow, resulting in our own creation. Pink Group were involved in pulling apart our old dilapidated scarecrow and using some of the parts to create our new one. With some old school clothes, stockings, straw and a few nails the children built the scarecrow's body.
At this stage our poor scarecrow had no head - this was Purple Group's task. Reusing a calico bag, this was stuffed with straw and tied up to the scarecrow's pole. Using a step ladder the children drew a face, added a hat for sun protection and then he was ready to protect the preschool vegetable garden.
Some children also chose to make paper scarecrows at the art and craft station. This involved, colouring, cutting, piecing together, gluing, cutting again, taping and sustained concentration. I hope these scarecrows go home to ward birds off the children's vegetable gardens - please send us a photo if they do.
Patterning to Support Pre-Literacy and Numeracy Skills
Creating and identifying patterns builds pre-literacy and numeracy skills as children identify and build a sequence of patterns. Using natural materials the preschool children have poked, printed and designed using playdough. They have observed and used cause and effect to discover the print and patterns different natural materials can create. Planning their own design used prediction, sequencing and ordering skills. It was rewarding to observe the bespoke creations developed with the variety of materials they could choose from.
(EYLF V2: Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators and begin to understand how symbols and pattern systems work.)
