Mathematical development
Resources
* Leaves * magnets * string * wooden spoons * laminate * paper clips
Step by step
* Take the children outdoors to collect different colours, shapes and sizes of leaves.
* Select the dry leaves that have been collected.
* Press these leaves under a pile of heavy books overnight.
* Attach a small magnet to the end of a length of string. Attach the string to the end of a wooden spoon or spatula.
* Laminate the different coloured, shaped and sized leaves.
* Attach a paper clip to each leaf.
* Spread the leaves on the floor and let the children try to 'catch' the leaves using the magnet.
* Invite the children to catch the red leaf, the smallest leaf, the biggest leaf and so on.
* Use a permanent marker to label some of the leaves with numbers.
* Ask the children to catch a specific leaf, or ask them which leaf they caught.
* Challenge more able children by drawing different numbers of dots on the leaves with a permanent marker and ask the children to catch a specific leaf, or ask them which leaf they caught.