5 Ways With… Scarves
5 ways with... is a series that gives you a whole week of ideas with one resource! This time we're focusing on how scarves are great for movement, imaginative play and sensory play!
They’re not being “naughty” – they’re exploring the transforming schema
Schemas are patterns of repeated behaviours which children engage in. They are a crucial part of development and learning. Here are some ideas can help channel their interest.
Use a light scarf or muslin cloth to wrap up every day objects to be discovered. Using cloth makes it easier for wee ones to wrap or cover objects themselves, so they can take ownership of the game. Expect LOTS of repetition and ask “I wonder what else we could wrap?” to keep their imaginations working.
For an upgraded take on hide and seek, take turns hiding toys around your home or garden – you can take photographs of hiding places to give each other clues. For wee ones who aren’t mobile, placing different objects on a tray and covering them with a cloth can be fun too.
Use blankets or scarves to cover or wrap each other. This could be a calm activity to wind down together where you “tuck” each other in. Or you could create a game. Why not run around as ghosts together? Or make your very own maypole?
For wee ones that explore everything with their mouths, messy play with food can be great (custard, cornflour gloop, cooked spaghetti) – have enough in the tray/bowl so they can bury or coat their hands. If you’re stressed by mess, plan the activity just before bath time. Or try a tray of dry rice, lentils etc.
Collage with stickers, paper, glue, paint, anything that can be used to completely cover the page is ideal. Or get outside and use leaves, stones, sticks and other natural objects to cover the “canvas”.