Habitats & Forest School

Listen, then draw

Set out: Parent-approved audio story or a familiar book · Drawing board or paper · Crayons

1. After lunch and the bathroom, settle together in a quiet spot. Play 5–8 minutes of a familiar story at a low volume, or read it aloud yourself.
2. Pause and invite one drawing of a character, vehicle, or place from the story. Drawing while listening is fine too.
3. Let the child tell you about the marks. Write one exact sentence, then leave the books and drawing board available for quiet rest.

Try saying: “Which part would you like to draw? You can show me without using words.”

Read & explore decode/retell

Set out: Outside In · The One and Only Ivan · Paper · Crayon

1. Read Outside In together for about five minutes. Stop at one illustration and connect it to something seen at Arboretum Woodland.
2. Use two illustrations to retell the story. Model ‘First…’ and invite the child to finish ‘Then…’. If that is hard, offer a choice between two pictures and tell it together.
3. Read a short passage from The One and Only Ivan for 3–5 minutes, stopping at a natural break. If attention fades, switch back to looking at pictures. Mark the place for tomorrow.

Try saying: “What do you notice in this picture that reminds you of our outing?”

Build the morning comparison

Set out: 6–10 large blocks · Two paper mats · Crayon · An outing photo or sketch

1. Recall two things seen at Arboretum Woodland. Choose a pair with an obvious difference in size, shape, or number.
2. Build one model on each mat. Line them up at the same starting edge and compare which is longer or taller.
3. Touch and count up to five blocks in each model together. Add or remove one block and compare again; the adult can write the numbers beside the models.
4. Photograph the pair and record the child’s words. If counting is hard, compare two towers of two and three blocks without asking for a number.

Try saying: “Which one is longer? How could we make them the same length?”

Snack, movement & free play

Set out: Usual family-approved snack · Water · One familiar song · Open-ended toys

1. Wash hands and sit together for snack and water. Follow the family’s food and rest routines.
2. Play a familiar song. Spend two minutes clapping its beat, then move slowly and quickly with the music. Pause it for a freeze game; let the child lead a turn.
3. Offer two play choices, such as blocks or pretend play. Stay available while the child directs the play, without adding another lesson.
4. Give a five-minute transition warning. Tidy one small area together and tell the parents one specific discovery from today.

Try saying: “Would you like to build or pretend? You can choose how the story goes.”