The Gruffalo
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 copy animals in the book
- Ask the children to write out new words
- Talk about nature and the importance of spending time outside
- 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 animals in the book look similar and different to ourselves
- Talk about themes in the book, such as bravery 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 Oakwell Hall Country Park to explore a real woods
- Act out the story using the objects from the box
What to expect in the box
- 'The Gruffalo' by Julia Donaldson
- Story stones
- Gruffalo puppet
- Mouse puppet
- Owl puppet
- Fox teddy
- Snake teddy
- Bark
- Pinecone
- Logs
- Seed pod
- Underground house
Explore the following themes using the objects
- Animals
- Habitats
- Feelings
- Colours
- Sounds
- Nature
- Words
