A mandala (“circle” in Sanskirt) is a circular pattern dating back as far as 400BC, used in religions including Buddhism and Hinduism. You can use natural materials, small objects or toys. Place one item in the centre, then radiate layers outwards to build concentric circles.
Get outside: into the garden, the park, anywhere with hungry birds! Start by exploring circles with your bodies – making circles in the air with your finger, your elbow, your toes, your bottom, even spin in circles! Then get out a tub of bird seed.
5 ways with… is a series that gives you a whole week of ideas with one resource! This time we’re focusing on how to create dramatic tension.
This is a really simple drama game that gets you both out of the habit of saying “no” all the time. Try making a “Yes, and!” story together: whatever the other person suggests, no matter how silly, you say “YES” then add your own idea.
Go outside… on a mission! Is there someone who needs help? Or something you need to find? It can sparked by “clues” in your surroundings, based off of their favourite toys/stories, or whatever randomly pops into someone’s head.
With a little imagination, cracks in pavements, plants or rocks become their own miniature worlds. Slow down, find an interesting spot, then ask some “I wonder…” questions: I wonder who could live there? I wonder what they need?
5 ways with… is a series that gives you a whole week of ideas with one resource! This time we’re focusing on breadcrumb trails.
Air drying clay filled with soil and seeds makes great seed bombs. Layer, then fold over to make a “taco”. Use papier-mâché (or eco-friendly paste and tissue paper) to make colourful art between slabs, in cracks in walls or in trees.
Play music with a clear, strong beat and use your whole arm to make BIG sweeping lines in time to the music. A big roll of paper or a large cardboard box would be great for this, but you can also use chalk or a wet paintbrush on slabs.
Wee ones often love handing objects to adults – it’s a great way of communicating what they’re interested in. Name the object and try to match it to something the same colour, shape or texture. “That’s blue teddy – what else is blue?”