Fun activities to pair with book reading

These activities are designed to spark creativity, foster learning, and provide enjoyable and memorable moments for both children and those who support and care for them.

Storytelling with puppets

Creating puppets based on the characters in "Lamb in a Pram" is a fantastic way to bring the story to life. Children can use simple materials like socks, felt, left-over fabric and other household scraps, to craft their own lamb puppet or any other character from the book. This hands-on activity not only encourages creativity but also helps children to develop fine motor skills.

Once the puppets are ready, children can use them to retell the story or even create their own adventures. This not only reinforces the narrative of the book but also allows children to practise their storytelling skills. Parents, carers and educators can join in, making it a fun and interactive experience for everyone involved.

Artistic exploration

Encourage children to express their artistic side by drawing, painting or making a collage of scenes from "Lamb in a Pram." Provide them with a variety of art supplies and let their imagination run wild. This activity helps children develop their artistic abilities and gives them a chance to interpret the story visually.

You can also organise a mini art exhibition to showcase the children's artwork. This not only celebrates their creativity but also boosts their confidence in sharing their work with others. Discussing their art can further enhance their understanding of the story and its themes.

Thematic crafts

Crafting activities related to the themes of the book, such as kindness and caring, can reinforce these important concepts. For example, children can create "kindness cards" to give to friends or family members, expressing what they appreciate about them. This activity not only ties in with the book's themes but also teaches children the value of expressing gratitude and appreciation.

Another craft idea is to make a "caring jar" where children can write down acts of kindness they've performed or witnessed. In larger settings, a “kindness wall” could further demonstrate this. These visual representations of kindness can serve as a reminder of the positive impact they can have on others, just like the characters in "Lamb in a Pram."

Farm visits and storytelling

Take the adventure outdoors with a farm visit inspired by the book. As you explore the natural surroundings, encourage children to imagine Georgie’s journey through the story. This activity not only connects the story to the real world but also promotes physical activity and appreciation for nature.

During the visit, stop to tell parts of the story or discuss how the characters might act in various settings and situations. This interactive storytelling approach helps children develop a deeper connection with the story and enhances their observational skills.

Music and movement

Incorporate music and movement into the reading experience by creating a dance or song based on the story. Children can move like the characters or sing about the plot, using simple instruments or clapping to keep the rhythm. This activity combines physical activity with creative expression, making the story more memorable.

You can also use music to set the mood for different parts of the book. For example, play soft, soothing music during calm scenes and lively tunes during adventurous moments. This helps children understand the emotions and dynamics of the story.

Cooking together

Create a fun cooking experience by preparing a snack inspired by "Lamb in a Pram." Whether a cold picnic lunch or home baked biscuits, cooking together can be a delicious way to connect with the story. This activity teaches children about nutrition, food preparation and cooking and will also develop a range of mathematical and spatial skills through weighing, measuring, cutting and portioning.

Role-playing

Encourage children to role-play scenes from the book, taking on the roles of different characters. This activity allows them to step into the shoes of the characters and explore their feelings and actions. Role-playing can be a powerful tool for developing empathy and understanding the perspectives of others.

You can create simple costumes or props to enhance the role-playing experience. This adds a visual element to the storytelling and makes the activity more immersive and enjoyable.

Story sequencing

Help children to understand the structure of the story by creating a story sequencing activity. Cut out images or use drawings to represent key events in the book, encouraging children to arrange them in the correct order. This activity reinforces comprehension and helps children to practise their sequencing skills.

You can extend this activity by asking children to narrate the story as they arrange the images. This encourages them to recall details from the book and express the story in their own words. An extension of this can be prompted by the final page of the book where we see Georgie and his parents returning home. Thinking about what happened next will develop children’s creative thinking and their prediction skills, allowing them to take ownership of the next phase in the story.

Sensory play

Create a sensory play experience related to the book. For example, use cotton balls to represent the lamb's wool or create a sensory box with items that reflect the book's setting. Sensory play engages children's senses and helps them connect with the story on a deeper level.

Encourage children to describe what they feel, see, and smell during the sensory play. This not only enhances their sensory experience but also promotes language development and descriptive skills.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pairing "Lamb in a Pram" with fun and educational activities can enhance the reading experience and deepen children's understanding of the story's themes. From crafting and cooking to music and movement, these activities provide opportunities for creativity, learning and shared experiences.

We hope you have lots of fun!