In Block 5, children will be encouraged to create stories centered around travel, utilising props such as toy vehicles, building blocks, and story books focused on travel adventures. They will have opportunities to enhance their descriptive language skills by narrating their stories while also engaging in word games designed to reinforce vocabulary related to these themes. Scavenger hunts and "I Spy" activities featuring objects linked to travel will further support the expansion of their vocabulary in a playful and interactive manner.

Development Matters:

• Sing songs and say rhymes independently, for example, singing whilst playing.

    Develop play around favourite stories using props.

• Notice some print, such as the first letter of their name, a bus or door number, or a familiar logo.
  
  

Key Vocabulary: Journey, destination, navigate, construct, structure, engineer, foundation, transport, route.

In Block 5, the children will engage in activities that involve measuring the objects they build with blocks or toy vehicles, while also comparing the sizes of different toy vehicles. They will be encouraged to recognise and experiment with shapes through the use of blocks and play dough. Additionally, during their play, the children will be prompted to count materials as they build, tally the wheels on toy cars, and identify numbers on signs or tickets, developing numeracy skills.

Development Matters:

• Develop counting-like behaviour, such as making sounds, pointing, or saying some numbers in sequence.

• Build with a range of resources.

• Notice patterns and arrange things in patterns.

Key Vocabulary: Count, compare, large, small, pattern, notice, number, how many.

In block 5, the children will begin to explore different places, modes of transport, and the concept of movement.

They will learn about how people travel, whether by plane, train, bus, or boat, and discover what it's like to visit new places, such as the beach or a hotel. Through simple activities and stories, children will develop curiosity about the world around them, recognising the diversity of places, people, and cultures. This topic encourages them to ask questions, explore new ideas, and make connections between their own experiences and the broader world.

Development Matters:

• Explore collections of materials with similar and/or different properties.

• Talk about what they see, using a wide vocabulary.

Key Vocabulary: Journey, destination, culture, passport, tourist.

In Block 5, we will integrate our travel theme into a variety of activities across multiple areas of learning. For example, children will design and create vehicles using recycled cardboard materials, build houses incorporating various shapes and colours, and paint their creations using a range of vibrant colours. These hands-on activities will encourage creativity and problem-solving while reinforcing key concepts related to the theme.

Development Matters:

• Make imaginative and complex 'small worlds' with blocks and construction kits, such as a city with different buildings and a park.

• Make simple models which expresses their idea

• Develop their own ideas and

Key Vocabulary: Sculpt, craft, model, design, layers, engineer, create, form, shape, rigid, delicate, collage, invent, experiment.

The children will be provided with opportunities for hands-on exploration, physical movement, and sensory experiences. A variety of construction materials, including building blocks, LEGO, cardboard boxes, and natural elements such as sticks and stones, will support the development of both fine and gross motor skills as children engage in building and creative activities. They will be encouraged to manipulate these materials to construct structures, vehicles, and landscapes. Additionally, outdoor play equipment, such as slides and tunnels, will support physical development and inspire active play, all within the context of our travel theme.

Development Matters:

• Explore different materials and tools.

• Build independently with a range of appropriate resources.

• Reach out for objects as coordination develops.

Key Vocabulary: Balance, strength, flexibility, posture, coordination, recovery.

In Block 5, the children will engage in travel-themed role play within the classroom, where they will have access to a range of props such as vehicles and costumes. This focus on role play will provide opportunities for the children to enhance their interactions with peers. By taking on different roles, they will develop important skills in cooperation, communication, and imagination.

Development Matters:

• Play with increasing confidence on their own and with the other children.

• Begin to show effortful control.

Key Vocabulary: Respond, play, cooperate, journey, build, structure, create, navigate, expedition.

In Block 5, the children will explore stories centered around travel. Together we will 'visit' a range of places and explore new locations. The children will have the chance to engage in role play using props and costumes that align with our theme. Through stories, songs and role-play, the children will develop their understanding of the world whilst enhancing their vocabulary, communication skills, and social interactions.

Development Matters:

• Develop a love for pretend play.

• Switch their attention from one current task to another.

• Listen to simple stories and understand what is happening, with the help of the pictures.

Key Vocabulary: Travel, explore, trip, map, flight, ticket, luggage, vacation, tour, adventure.

• Build a simple fort using blankets and cushions, allowing your child to create their own cozy space for

• imaginative play and storytelling adventures.

• Collect recyclable materials like cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, and paper tubes. Challenge your

• children to use these materials to build their unique structures or inventions.

• Create a paper boat and decorate it - experiment with different weather conditions to make it work!