Our week: Playgroup, week 8
Dates: to · Try one activity on a day that suits you. Repeat or pause any part.
Reading & talking
Do: Add an action. Look at a picture your child chooses. Name something they point to, then add its action: "The dog is running." Wait for a gesture, sound or word. Copy their contribution and add a little more if welcome; this is a conversation, not a quiz.
You need: A picture book or large adult-drawn pictures
Talk: What is happening here?
We noticed:
Game (optional): What's Missing?
Writing & pencil control
Do: Choose where to stop. Point to a nearby finishing place on the surface. Make a short water path towards it and pause. Your child may choose a different end or direct you. Finish before arms tire. Dry any drips and put the cloth and water away yourself.
You need: The damp towel and surface
Talk: Where will your path bend?
We noticed:
Game (optional): Trace It
Numbers & shapes
Do: Nesting cups. Stack them one inside the other, then build a tower from biggest to smallest. Knock it down and build again.
You need: Three or four cups, bowls or boxes of different sizes
Talk: Who has bigger hands, you or me?
We noticed:
Game (optional): Size Safari
Science & our world
Do: Torch time. Stay seated together while an adult shines a torch on a wall, away from eyes. Turn it off and on to compare what is visible. Keep enough room light for your child to feel comfortable; stop if they dislike it.
You need: A torch held by an adult and a dim room with a clear floor
Talk: What do we do at night?
We noticed:
Game (optional): Day & Night
Thinking & feelings
Do: You hide it for me. Offer your child a turn to cover the toy while you watch. Ask them to show you where it is, then reveal it together. Keep the towel on the toy only. Finish by putting both away; no longer wait or harder hiding place is needed.
You need: The same toy and towel
Talk: What can you still see?
We noticed:
Game (optional): What's Missing?
Moving & making
Do: Teddy needs company. Pretend teddy feels lonely and wants company. Let your child choose how to greet teddy, perhaps with a wave, a word or a gentle tune. Ask before offering a cuddle. Give your child a turn to decide how teddy feels next.
You need: One large soft toy with no loose parts
Talk: How does your movement feel?
We noticed:
Game (optional): Feelings Friends
A possible rhythm: one or two strands a day, on the days that suit you. Swap days freely. Games are optional and never replace the home activity.
Something we would like to repeat: