This week, our classroom transformed into a lively pop-up shop, offering the children rich opportunities to explore key learning concepts through imaginative play. The shop quickly became a favourite activity, where the children engaged in meaningful role-play, building practical life skills while having fun.
Mathematical Learning in Action
The pop-up shop wasn’t just a space for fun; it was a hub of learning. The children practised essential mathematical concepts such as size, weight, and capacity as they weighed real vegetables, fit their items into shopping bags, and exchanged real coins for goods. By using real-world materials, the children had a hands-on opportunity to explore maths in a meaningful context. This playful approach to maths also helped them develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills as they figured out how to balance their “purchases” and manage money.
Additionally, the shop allowed the children to refine their early literacy skills. They eagerly wrote shopping lists and receipts for their customers, engaging in mark-making activities that encouraged both creativity and purposeful writing. This connected their imaginative play to real-world experiences while reinforcing their understanding of written language.
Learning About Healthy Choices
Another key learning outcome of the week was the chance to talk about healthy foods. While role-playing in the shop, the children handled real vegetables and food packaging, sparking discussions about nutritious choices. These conversations helped the children understand the importance of healthy eating in a fun and interactive way, linking their imaginative shopping experiences to important life lessons.
Taking Learning Outdoors: Forest School Adventures
Our learning didn’t stop in the classroom—this week’s outdoor experiences were just as impactful. We took the children’s newfound interest in shopping to the woods, where they spontaneously created their own pop-up shops in nature. This outdoor imaginative play was full of creativity as they sold “chocolate swiss roll” twigs, “leaf doughnuts,” and “catkin churros” at a cake shop, and offered “leaf ice creams” and “stick lollies” at an ice cream stand. This play reinforced the concept of symbolic representation—understanding that one object can stand in for another—which is an essential part of cognitive development.
Being in the woods also provided an opportunity for sensory exploration and problem-solving in an unstructured environment. The children not only enhanced their social skills through collaborative play but also deepened their connection to nature as they explored the woods with their peers.
A First Experience with Fire at Forest School
One of the highlights of the week was introducing some of our newer children to their first experience with fire at Forest School. Gathered around the fire, the children learned about fire safety, a vital skill for outdoor learning. We even made toast for a snack, which gave them a hands-on understanding of how fire can be used for cooking. This experience helped build their sense of responsibility while also fostering a sense of adventure in a controlled and safe environment.
