A new month and a new theme – clothes. In History the children learned about clothing in the past and looked at pictures of how fashion has changed over time. The boys and girls had to figure out from a selection of pictures which was the oldest style of clothing and try to sequence them to modern day. The children also experienced some online shopping and they had to discuss how clothes differ. Afterwards they had to choose their favourite clothing and talk about them. In Geography the children looked at the labels on their own clothes and we looked at where their clothing is made. We looked for these countries on our map and globe. We also learned about traditional clothing from countries around the world. We looked at photos of Irish Dancing costumes, kilts from Scotland, kimonos from Japan, saris from India, lederhosen from Germany and so many more. The children then picked their favourite style of traditional clothing. In Science, the children investigated materials that are waterproof and good for floating, as they had to design a life jacket for a Lego man. During Art, the children designed some outfits using a variety of patterned and textured materials. They also explored weaving materials and threads on a loom.
We further explored our learning through play and began with Construction. Using wooden blocks and Lego the children built a clothes shop, complete with a changing area and shelves for displaying clothes. In Small World, the children named their clothes shop and with help from Ms. Mills they designed a sign. Their clothes shop was fitted with furniture for displaying clothes, an area for a staff toilet, a check out area and even an extension for a coffee shop. In Playdough, the children made outfits for some Disney characters, along with designing individual pieces. During Sensory play, picture cards of clothing were hidden in the water beads and they had to sort the clothes according to what weather you would wear them. In water play, the children experienced the process of washing clothes. There was a large basin filled with washing detergent and clothes that needed to be washed. They then rinsed the soap out of the clothing in the next basin and hung the clothes on the washing line. The Role Play area was set up like a clothes shop, complete with a rail of clothes, a shelf of hats, bags, belts, sunglasses, sweaters and t-shirts. There was a changing room and a check out area. There was lots of style modelled in the shop and plenty of trade. The children learned about the everyday running of a clothes shop from stocking the shelves to customer service. The entered into role as managers, shop assistants and customers.
