Handa's surprise
Activity ideas
Designed to support the early years foundation stage statutory framework.
- Read the book together
- Model how to say new words
- Match the words to objects in the box
- Explain unfamiliar words and concepts
- Encourage children to use the new words independently
- Ask comprehension questions
- Ask 'why' questions
- Talk about the main characters in the story; their feelings, actions and motives
- Ask children to act out the story and balance the basket of fruit on their head
- Ask the children to write out new words
- Talk about fruit and the importance of eating healthy
- Discuss the child's favourite animal in the book
- Ask the children how they feel at different parts of the book
- Encourage children to play with the objects in a group, and share with friends
- Talk to the children about the different parts of the book, such as the cover, author and page numbers
- Look at the different punctuation in the book
- Help the children read different sounds in the book
- Ask children to read the book aloud
- Count the animals in the book
- Ask the children to compare the different objects in the box, looking at what is bigger and smaller
- Look for different shapes in the book, and among the objects in the box
- Collect different natural materials to explore
- Discuss how the people in the book look similar and different to themselves
- Talk about themes in the book, such as friendship and determination
- Let the children explore the different objects in the box
- Encourage the children to create a piece of artork inspired by the story
- Visit Bagshaw Museum to see objects from all over the world
- Make music using the rainstick
- Act out the story using the objects from the box
What to expect in the box
- 'Handa's surprise' book
- Plastic fruit and bowl
- Monkey puppet
- Toucan puppet
- Elephant soft toy
- Handa's story finger puppets
- Sandals
- Rainstick
- Natural materials (seed pods, gourd, coconut rusk)
- Congo fabric
Explore the following themes using the objects
- Animals
- Habitats
- Food
- Africa
- Culture
- Music
- Textiles
