See the world in a new way Activity
Make a paper telescope with tamariki to encourage pretend play. Pretend play helps develop vocabulary, empathy, creativity, and complex thinking.
Why do it?
- Children enjoy creating new environments and activities using everyday household materials.
- Pretending is a great way to develop a child’s imagination.
- Young children benefit from the chance to use rich language and to try using new or different words. In this way they expand their vocabulary.
- Pretend play helps to develop early empathy, which is the ability to see things from another person’s point of view.
- It’s a chance to develop more complex thinking skills. An example of using symbolism is to say ‘this block is my phone’
How to do it
You’ll need: A paper towel roll (or sellotape and a piece of paper), a torch and some good flexibility!
Telescope time: Close one eye and look through a paper towel roll (or a rolled up piece of paper). What can you see? Play pirates and hunt for your favourite things.
Night-time fun: Go on a torch walk or play flashlight hide and seek.
Upside downies: Bend forwards and look through your legs or do a headstand!
Using more te reo Māori
| Te reo Māori | English |
|---|---|
| Pōkai | To fold |
| Karu whātata | Telescope |
| Rama | Torch |
| Pō | Night |
| Hīkoi | Walk |
