WEEK 1: A BASKETFUL OF APPLES

As we begin this busy ‘journey’ together (which may sometimes seem a bit overwhelming) it is always a bit of a comfort to look ahead on each week and stock up on at least some of the weekly requirements in advance.

I always try to keep the ‘ingredients’ for the activities relatively simple and easily accessible, and encourage you to improvise with what you have wherever possible.

Please read through the more extensive description of the commonly used requirements in the introductory section to this programme – that will give you a solid foundation to work from.

But – for this week, here are some advance reminders of the what you will need.

The theme is a Basketful of Apples – so put APPLES on the top of your shopping list. Green, red, yellow … there really is (at least one) apple required for each day!

Flour and salt, plus a dash of either/both red and green food colouring is needed for Monday’s playdough. Cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves will spice it up. Be sure to gather some loose parts (see Monday’s prompt) to add to the play.

Check your painting supplies: firm white paper or lightweight cardboard (A3), coloured paper for the basket, glue and water-based craft/poster paint (only red and green for today).  Don’t forget to print some extra apples for Tuesdays sensory activity.

A set of coloured (including black) felt-tipped marker pens (kokis) will be useful today and throughout the week (see Thursday).

For Tuesday, being our MODELLING day, a key ingredient is the medium to model – I suggest airdry clay (either bought or homemade) but salt dough will also work. Air dry clay is readily available in craft shops and is not too expensive. If you have access to potters clay – how lucky for you! (Just a heads up that it will be brittle if airdried.)

A selection of small items for a sorting tray is needed for Wednesday: beads, beans, acorns, corks, buttons, pasta shapes, sea shells, marbles … see what you have. Only three or four different types of ‘little thingies’ will be sufficient.

Baking is the order of the day on Wednesday. The ingredients are basic ones that you should already have (check the recipe) plus – APPLES!

Coffee filters (or a suitable substitute – blotting paper) appear on Thursday’s list, and the coloured marker pens. A spray bottle is also required. 

If you haven’t already got BEAN BAGS, please see what you can do about making or sourcing (or tasking granny to make) several before Thursday. If you could have at least five (ten would be ideal) that would be wonderful. These ‘magic’ bags will come in use often in the gross motor activities but can be used in free play as well. 

Chunky chalk ( ‘fat’ sidewalk chalk) or regular chalk, masking tape will be useful for Thursday and on Friday.

If possible, either copy or print the Nature Scavenger Hunt checklist before Friday.

If you opt to do some apple bits construction on Friday – toothpicks are required.

Bird seed, apples and peanut butter are needed for Friday’s Nurturing Nature activity and put some thought into my suggestions for setting up or upgrading your Mud Kitchen area.

And that’s it for the week!