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Walking in the jungle

A topic on Africa proved a great success with our children. We explored this continent in many exciting ways, from sharing outdoor role-play experiences in our tent to inventing small-world adventures in the environment created in our sand tray. We shared books related to the theme, such as Walking in the Jungle by Richard Brown (Cambridge University Press), Handa's Surprise by Eileen Browne (Walker Books) and Walking through the Jungle by Debbie Harker (Orchard Books). Our enjoyment of jungle books led to the creation of a jungle role-play area. We positioned the site close to the window where the view of trees added to the atmosphere. The area was enclosed on two sides with storage units, over which we draped green and brown material that hung from the ceiling. Crepe streamers dangling from above gave the impression of dense vegetation, and furry animal masks provided the wildlife.

Our enjoyment of jungle books led to the creation of a jungle role-play area. We positioned the site close to the window where the view of trees added to the atmosphere. The area was enclosed on two sides with storage units, over which we draped green and brown material that hung from the ceiling. Crepe streamers dangling from above gave the impression of dense vegetation, and furry animal masks provided the wildlife.

A pop-up tent surrounded by brown fabric made somewhere to camp, and thick logs acted as tables. The children created a campfire from sticks and stood a small 'cauldron' from a garden centre on top. Enthusiasm increased rapidly as parents, staff and children contributed to the jungle atmosphere with plants, woven baskets and other artefacts. The children's theme-related work was displayed on the draped fabric around the area, alongside animal photographs and maps.

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