Exploring Creativity in "My Toy Shop"
What makes a toy special? How do toys work, and how can they be reimagined? These are the exciting questions Early Years students explored during their recent IEYC unit, My Toy Shop. Through hands-on activities, collaborative play, and creative projects, the children unlocked their imagination and learned through play.
By Jessica de Porto, Early Years Milepost Team LeaderA Puppet Show to Spark Imagination
To kick off the unit, the students welcomed local puppeteer Janet Cratchley, who performed an enchanting puppet show using her handmade marionettes. This Dutch-language-rich performance captivated the children and allowed them to take a closer look at the intricate design and movement of the puppets.
Transforming Classrooms into Toy Shops
The classrooms were transformed into vibrant toy shops where children could role-play as buyers and sellers. Students categorized toys based on various features such as parts that rotate, sounds, textures, sizes, materials, and adjustable components. This hands-on exploration helped the children develop an understanding of how toys function while building essential classification skills.
Fixing and Reimagining Broken Toys
Each child brought in a broken toy from home to “fix” or completely reinvent. With tools like glitter tape, plasters, cardboard wheels, and other craft materials, they gave their toys a second life. This open inquiry not only encouraged creativity but also taught problem-solving and resourcefulness.
Learning Through Play and Numbers
Linking the toy shop activities to mathematics, students wrote price labels for their toys and practiced counting coins during transactional play. This immersive experience supported young multilingual learners by introducing new vocabulary and contextualizing real-life situations, enhancing both their language and math skills.
Designing Dream Toys
Students also designed their dream toys, using magazines for inspiration and sharing their ideas with classmates. They brought their creations to life using recyclable materials and craft tools, carefully adding accessories and features while learning how to secure different materials together.
A Festive Surprise
The unit concluded with a delightful surprise from Sinterklaas’s Pieten, who left packages of new toys hidden in the classroom. The children worked together to solve clues and uncover their surprises, ending the unit on a joyful and collaborative note.
Conclusion
The My Toy Shop unit was a whirlwind of creativity, learning, and fun. By engaging in hands-on activities and real-world experiences, the students developed their problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking skills. This playful approach to learning left the children inspired and excited to continue exploring their creativity.