Childhood101

playing. learning. growing.

  • Learning Activities
    • Mathematics
    • Literacy
    • Social Emotional Learning
    • Distance Learning Resources
    • Coding for Kids
    • Science & Nature
    • Art & Craft
    • Holidays/Celebrations
    • Best Books for Kids
    • Products We Love
  • Play Ideas
    • Group Games for Kids
    • Sensory Play Ideas
    • Outdoor Play
    • Fun Play Spaces
    • Pretend Play
    • Lego Challenges
  • PRINTABLES
  • Books for Kids
    • Picture Books
    • Chapter Books
    • Graphic Novels
  • Activities By Age
    • School Age Learners
    • Pre+K Learners
    • Toddler Play
    • Baby Play
  • SHOP

An Invitation to Play: More Adventures with Goldilocks

I spoke a while ago about how I like to set up little invitations to play for Immy to find in her play space. Given our recent adventures with breakfast and Goldilocks and her interest in the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, she recently got up from her daytime nap to discover this…
… Goldilocks alongside three bears sitting on three chairs with three bowls of porridge…
… and of course, three beds!
Setting the stage for playful learning works for all sorts of play scenarios. When it comes to this literature based play of re-enacting stories, the experience encourages children’s oral language and story comprehension abilities as they retell the familiar story.
And sometimes they even improve upon an old favourite…
… after retelling the story in the traditional way, Immy pulled up an extra chair, laid an extra setting at the table and invited Goldilocks to stay for tea 🙂

Related Posts

  • Reading First, Technology Later
  • Don’t They Just Play? Role Play Reading
  • Making Puppets: Simple Starters

Christie Burnett is an early childhood teacher, presenter, writer and the editor of Childhood 101. More importantly, she is a Mum who believes wholeheartedly in the value of children learning through play, the importance of quality early education, and the togetherness of family.

Filed Under: Imaginative, Invitation to Play, Literacy, Preschool Play, Toddler Play

Previous post: Types of Play: Physical
Next post: Sponsor Spotlight: Kids Music Toys

Read the comments or scroll down to add your own:

  1. Lauren @ Hobo Mama says

    June 12, 2010 at 8:14 AM

    That is such a great idea! I'm going to try setting up an invitation tomorrow. Thanks!
  2. jenny says

    June 12, 2010 at 8:37 AM

    Can I play too?
  3. Sonia says

    June 12, 2010 at 9:53 AM

    I love this idea. We've re-enacted 'We're going on a bear hunt' before but I love the idea of setting up props. Fun!!
  4. Gill@OurParklife says

    June 12, 2010 at 12:02 PM

    I would love to wake up to this! Invites are a great idea - i can't wait to try it

    I too like to set up different play scenarios during my toddlers naptime...I first got the idea of doing so when we stayed with my aunt and uncle and my uncle spent ages arranging all of my son's little farm animimals into a party scenario in the garden during one afternoon nap.

    It was so nice to see his little face light up when he saw them having a garden party! And he played for ages!
  5. Sharon says

    June 12, 2010 at 12:16 PM

    This is a wonderful idea. It has never occurred to me to set things up like this. I've always had the "there's your stuff. choose something to play with" approach.

    Rethinking that one now.
  6. Dionna @ Code Name: Mama says

    June 12, 2010 at 2:11 PM

    So cute! That's akin to the pirate letter/treasure map we did with Kieran - it's got to be novel for the kiddos to have an imaginative play area set up for them.
  7. Chris says

    June 12, 2010 at 3:19 PM

    I just love this idea! My twins love to dress-up. I'm thinking of an invite to dress up as a favorite book character. Glad I came across your site.
  8. Joyful Learner says

    June 12, 2010 at 3:55 PM

    So cute! We love going on a bear hunt and everytime our daughter sees a little bridge, we reenact the Three Billy Goats Gruff.
  9. Kendra says

    June 12, 2010 at 7:22 PM

    What a great idea to set the stage for the story for them. I've always either followed their lead or had them help me set up. Both those things are fine ways to play, but it's great to offer up specific ideas. And I've found that with a little guidance (like suggesting that we play with these particular toys) their play often gets much more rich and exciting.
  10. Ramona Davey says

    June 13, 2010 at 1:01 AM

    A great activity and I love the little homemade sleeping bags/beds for the bears. I don't know if you are aware, but there is a great little 'goldilocks song' you can sing together - it's under 'poetry' on my Boxes & Bears page:

    www.learningactivities.com.au/my-learning-activities/reduce-reuse-recycle/boxes-bears

    I often used it in class when we were learning about fairytales and the children loved it.
  11. Ane says

    June 13, 2010 at 4:56 AM

    I love this idea, it's so cute!
  12. Marina says

    June 13, 2010 at 8:46 AM

    I totally love the fact she invited Goldilocks to stay - little ones can be so generous - they are so cool!
  13. Michele says

    June 13, 2010 at 11:35 AM

    lovely x
  14. Basia says

    June 14, 2010 at 11:50 AM

    This is a great idea. I have often set up toys for my children to initiate play such as block structures or train tracks, but have never considered creating play scenarios based on a story. Thanks for sharing. I'm going to link to this on my United Teaching Discoveries blog (http://discoveries.unitedteaching.com).
  15. Christie - Childhood 101 says

    June 18, 2010 at 12:41 AM

    Thank you all for your comments, I find this is an excellent way to capture a child's interest and set the stage for meaningful play.

Trackbacks

  1. Two Year Olds: 30 Activities for Having Fun - Kids Activities Blog says:
    June 27, 2013 at 7:01 PM
    [...] with teddy bears, blocks or other simple props like this adorable Goldilocks and the Three Bears  invitation to play from [...]
Welcome
pinterestinstagramteachers pay teachersyoutubefacebook

Tips & Resources


Search

Latest

Line Scavenger Hunt for Visual Art

Line Scavenger Hunt: Visual Art Activity

This fun Line Scavenger Hunt visual art activity invites students to find and … [Read More...]

Multiplication memory matching game printable

Times Tables Memory Matching Card Game

Use this Times Tables Memory Matching Card Game as a tool for reinforcing times … [Read More...]

Printable multiplication games for kids

Multiplication Games Printable Pack

This 150+ page Multiplication Games Printable Pack includes a fun collection of … [Read More...]

The Book

Learning Resources


Activities by Age

Baby
Toddler
Preschool
School-age
Family

Copyright ©2020 · Childhood101 - All Rights Reserved ·

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Shop
  • PRIVACY POLICY