Africa Week
All of the children at Suffield Park Infant School have been finding out about Africa. In the three Reception Classes they have been learning about the animals they might encounter there. They created animal masks, made African flags and discussed the climate and geography of the African continent.
They had a visit from a local dance teacher who helped them make African rhythms and dances, as well as listening to African folk tales from a story teller.
“I know that Africa has the biggest desert in the world and the largest animal, the elephant” said one Reception child.
Year One children have enjoyed a sensory week of learning while finding out about the continent of Africa. They have enjoyed tasting African fruits: mango was a firm favourite; avocado got a less favoured response! African drumming was an exciting opportunity to explore rhythm. Messy play opportunities included fun with the muddy hippos, digging for diamonds in sand and soil and creating African animals from clay. The children delighted in a varied and creative week.
The Year Two children narrowed down their area of focus to look at the country of South Africa. They have been comparing South Africa to England and thinking about the similarities and differences between the two. The children have created a number of lovely pieces of artwork including clay masks, drawings of Protea flowers, paintings of South African landscapes and making animals using Model Magic.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable week and the children have learnt a lot about the continent of Africa and many of the countries within Africa. It has definitely been a valuable learning experience which supports many areas of the National Curriculum.
