We are excited to be back for a new school year, and the Friendly Frogs are settling in exceptionally well into their new classroom environment. To kick off the year, we have been covering a range of topics, including a review of some key mathematical concepts such as shapes and sorting. While shape recognition may seem simple, it is a vital skill that supports cognitive, motor, and social development in early childhood. By providing children with enjoyable, hands-on activities—like sorting shapes outdoors—we help them build a strong foundation for future learning.
One of the activities the Friendly Frogs enjoyed was the outdoor Shape Game. In this activity, the teacher called out a shape, and the children had to quickly run and stand inside the corresponding shape drawn on the ground. They also sorted shape blocks, placing them within their matching shapes. This fun and interactive activity was a fantastic way to reinforce shape knowledge while developing gross motor skills—all while enjoying the fresh air.
Our second outdoor adventure was the Ant Trail Adventure. The Friendly Frogs followed a trail, collecting ant cutouts hidden along the way. Each time they found an ant, they practised the /a/ sound using the Jolly Phonics action. This engaging activity helped the children connect the /a/ sound to the word “ant” while also promoting gross motor skills as they moved around the outdoor space.
Both activities were a huge success, blending learning with the joy of outdoor play.