Case Study / Astudiaeth Achos

H. Littlejohns
Alderman Davies Church in Wales Primary School
Reception/Year 1

Strategy Used / Strategaeth a Ddefnyddiwyd

• Open ended questioning
• Mind mapping – Topic: Celebrations (birthdays)

Description of Activity / Disgrifiad o'r Weithgaredd

It was our class bear's birthday – what could we do for Charlie to help him celebrate?

Pupils came up with ideas as I recorded them on a flip chart, ranging from invitations, party, games, food, cards, presents (all of these things were close to their experiences). From these ideas we worked in a cross curricular way, over the weeks, but the ideas were their own.

We also created a "Learning Wall" linked to the theme of a "birthday cake" and each child had their own name on a "candle". The candle went on the cake when a chosen target was achieved.

Evaluation / Gwerthusiad

• The topic was particularly enjoyable for the children because it was so close to their own experiences.
• We used Charlie Bear during circle time to "express how we felt" about certain presents; likes and dislikes of food etc.
• It provided a lovely opportunity for emergent writing, which continued long after the inviations/cards had been written, along with shopping lists, etc.
• The Learning Wall is a wonderful way to encourage good behaviour.

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