Over at Ringwood Uniting Preschool, they appear to be studying metamorphosis at the moment, if looking at their imaginative play sets is anything to go by.

First we noticed their frog set up. We love the open book being incorporated into the learning.

Then we saw their gorgeous Hungry Caterpillar corner. Elizabeth is just so good at putting together these beautiful set ups.

It is hard to believe that we are in a playroom in the middle of the suburbs…

because it feels as if we have been transported …

into a rain forest!

Weaving not only creates a fabulous work of art, it can be a wonderful group activity and is also excellent for working those little fingers.

We have done group weavings in the past using a big box …

sticks …

and fences.

At Dover Street Preschool they did weaving on a wooden frame.

We found an old bike on the roadside rubbish and took off the wheels.

Looks a bit sad, doesn’t it?

We added some ribbons and wool…

and let the children go for it!

We popped it up on the fence when it was finished. OK, so three year olds aren’t great weavers, but they worked together as a team and had fun!

Next time we might try weaving this tennis racquet – we’ll keep you posted.

How much do children just love playdough?? We have to admit that when it is just made and is still warm and silky smooth, we find it hard to resist too. If you are in need of a reminder about some different recipes, go here.

Often play dough goes hand in hand with ‘cooking’ play, but it is also great just to have the dough by itself to manipulate and create without any preconceived ideas.

If you want to pop out other props, items from nature are always beautiful and leaving the play dough plain complements this.

We added feathers …

stones …

driftwood …

dowelling …

and gumnuts.

The children moved right away from the rolling, cutting, baking-type scenarios.

How beautiful!