Throughout my time as an early childhood teacher, my programming and planning was founded upon the well-known practice and evidence-based principles of 'play-based learning'. Lately, whilst observing and
documenting Sage 'at play', I recognised that it was time to emulate some of these practices and principles in our own home environment. Her flittings to and from task to toy, with no real sense of purpose, would ultimately result in her becoming frustrated and overwhelmed - evidenced by the chaos left in her wake.
In our playroom, we decided to remove many of the toys she previously had unlimited access to, in order to foster both physical and mental space. Some were squirreled away in the attic to be reintroduced in weeks or months to come, whereas others were simply placed out of reach, to be brought down at specific, negotiated times. In their place, we established a small 'investigation' area - both to encourage deeper focus and direction during play and to instill engagement for longer, more meaningful periods of time.
A 'farmyard' experience was created, based on Sage's ignited interest in farms and their animals {due to visiting the animal nursery when the annual show came to town, and feeding the cows on a recent outing to a friend's farm} to ensure the 'investigation' was relatable, relevant and authentic. Pivotal to the space are its elements - mindfully chosen to inspire dramatic play, facilitate sensory development and aide hypothesising and problem solving skills through construction. Puzzles, games and fine motor activities are also featured, as are quality, print-rich resources {including both fiction and non-fiction texts}.
Amongst the images below, I have complied a list of the books we have been reading and the resources used to create this space {all of which I already owned from my days teaching Kindergarten}. Our farmyard investigation will remain for a few weeks and once Sage's fascination begins to wane we will create a fresh space based on her interests, understandings and ponderings at the time... {and no, it does not stay this tidy for long!}
Farmyard Reading
FICTION TEXTS
Families by Alison Jay
I Went Walking by Sue Machin
My Farm by Alison Lester
Mrs Wishy Washy by Joy Cowley
Who Said Moo? by Harriet Ziefert
Noisy Farm by Rod Campbell
The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle
You Are My Baby by Lorena Siminovich
Old MacDonald Had a Farm by Wendy Straw
A Year on Our Farm by Penny Matthews and Andrew McLean
What the Ladybird Heard by Julia Donaldson
NON-FICTION TEXTS
At the Farm by Judith Heneghan
Chick Life Cycle by Elizabeth Bennett
Animals on the Farm by Elizabeth de Lambilly
Mighty Movers Farm by Hinkler Books
My First Book of Farm Animals by Miranda Smith
Down on the Farm Series by Hannah Ray
Farmyard Friends Series by Camilla de la Bedoyere
Farmyard Resources
Garden accessories {purchased instore, unable to find link}
Word labels {
here - printed and laminated}
Cork board and hammer set {
here}
'At the Farm' puzzles - set of four {
here}
3D 'Duck and Friends' puzzle {
here}
Tractor, grass material, baskets and bowls {op shop purchases}
Pond {cut from scrap felt}
Animal feed {pearl barley from the pantry}
