This area of learning is divided into 2 areas:

• Exploring and using media and materials
• Being imaginative

At OEYC your child will be learning to:

• Join in with dancing and ring games
• Move to music
• Play simple musical instruments and follow rhythms
• Explore paints and make their own pictures
• Make models from a wide range of toys and “junk”
• Role play familiar scenes – in the home corner, in the “baby clinic”, at the builders
• Make up stories as part of their play – on their own and with others

How can parents and carers help?

• Painting, drawing, colouring just for fun. Do not expect your child to draw or paint anything recognisable at first. The fun is in the creation, not in the end product.
• Encourage your child to make models using construction items (duplo, stickle bricks etc), but also from old cereal and egg boxes.
• Encourage your child to play with empty boxes – these are often as much fun as the item that was inside them.
• Allow your child to develop their imagination. An old sheet over a table or pegged up outside can make a brilliant den and will give hours of fun.
• Save old saucepans, tins and allow your child to make music. Sing along to nursery rhymes and favourite “chart” songs
• Develop your child’s imagination. Act out stories; take part in role play with them by playing shops, schools, teddy bear picnics. Try and collect a few dressing-up clothes, old t.shirts, skirts, shoes and scarves have many possibilities.
• If you are anxious about your child spoiling their clothes dress them in old ones so they can really have lots of fun without being worried.