Literacy

To talk about the marks they make.

• Draw pictures together. Talk about the shapes and marks you are using to draw the picture.
• Make a card or picture for someone. Encourage them to draw a picture and write a message for their card. The writing will be marks or lines on the paper rather than any correctly formed letters or words.
• Draw a picture of their family and attempt to write the names of people in their family. Point out how the marks are different when drawing and writing.
• Practise the mark making patterns below using water and a paintbrush.
• Put sand, shaving foam, conditioner, glitter or anything similar you might have at home in a tray. Encourage your child to draw pictures and talk about the marks they are making. They could also practise the mark making patterns below. 

Maths

To show an interest in shapes in the environment.

There is no expectation to name any shapes at this point, although you may wish to tell your child the names of the shapes.

• Hide shapes around the garden to find and name with support.
• Go on a shape walk in your garden or local area and take photos of shapes you can see. Look at the photos and talk about the shapes that you found. E.g. It is round or it’s the same shapes as a car wheel.
• When you are having a meal at the table, count how many different shapes you can find. Look at the shape of the plate, table and placemat too.
• Use sticks, leaves and other natural materials in your garden to make different shapes.
• Make your own 2D shape wands and go on a shape hunt around your house. Talk about the different shapes you find.