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

Goldilocks & the Three Bears: Retelling Through Imaginary Play

Isn’t it amazing that the classic fairytales we all grew up with are still much loved by our children? And do you notice how they always come in threes – The Three Little Pigs, The Three Billy Goats Gruff and, of course (one of our personal favourites), Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

You’d be surprised at how many opportunities for learning there are in this timeless story, a key concept being the mathematical one of size – small, medium and large. Placing objects in order of size is the foundation of learning measurement. The story also includes use of lots of descriptive language with phrases such as too hot, too cold, too hard and too soft, and the repetition of the story makes it a memorable one for young children to retell and act out. It also provides a fantastic invitation to play imaginatively!

Goldilocks and Three Bears Storytelling and Imaginative Play for Toddlers and Preschoolers

I set myself the challenge to recreate the story with Miss 3 using toys and materials found around our home. No buying anything new!! We started off choosing three teddy bears of three different sizes, carefully considering which would be best to play Daddy, Mummy and Baby. Next we started looking at what we could use for their beds – I think the laundry basket made the perfect Daddy Bear bed! Of course, Miss 3 insisted all the beds needed mattresses, blankets and pillows. Very important attention to detail! Here she is tucking them all in.

Goldilocks and Three Bears Storytelling and Imaginative Play for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Next we needed chairs. The little cane beauties are hand me downs from Miss 3’s Great Nana. Then it was off to the kitchen to find three bowls and three spoons to complete the scene (if you were feeling really brave you could find something to use as the porridge – dry oats, playdough, rice…). My little Miss loved pretending to feed the bears. A few additions from her play kitchen were added (you’ll see that Daddy Bear is being spoon fed a doughnut!).

Goldilocks and Three Bears Storytelling and Imaginative Play for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Now who could be Goldilocks? We didn’t have a doll with golden hair, so a sweet little handmade poppet got to play the lead roll in our imaginary play. It was really enthralling to observe Miss M’s imagination and creativity during this play session. Of course she went off on some of her own tangents and didn’t stick to the story, but that is exactly what play is about!

Do your children have a favourite classic fairy tale?



Lauren Hunt is an Early Childhood Teacher who currently works part time teaching children in their first year of school. She is also mum to a two year old daughter. Lauren is passionate about play-based, hands-on learning and is certainly kept busy by her energetic toddler!

Filed Under: Featured, Literacy, Preschool Play, Toddler Play Tagged With: emergent literacy

Previous post: Make a School of Origami Fish: Easy Folding Instructions
Next post: Art History for Kids: Children’s Books About Great Artists

Read the comments or scroll down to add your own:

  1. Bev says

    June 13, 2016 at 8:13 PM

    What a cute idea! I will definitely be using this with my daycare kids. Thank you for sharing! :)
Welcome
pinterestinstagramteachers pay teachersyoutubefacebook

Search

Tips & Resources


Latest

65+ YA dystopian books for teens

21 Thrilling YA Dystopian Book Series for Teens

Inside: Our pick of the best YA dystopian books series for teens. If your … [Read More...]

2023 Kids Calendar Printable

Free, Printable Kids Calendar 2023 with Mindful Affirmations

Help your tween or teen stay on top of school tasks and out-of-school … [Read More...]

Best Family Games for you New Years Eve Party

10 Best Family Games for Your New Year’s Eve Party

Looking for a range of fun, high energy family games to play at your New Year's … [Read More...]

The Book

Learning Resources


Activities by Age

Baby
Toddler
Preschool
School-age
Family

Copyright ©2022 · Childhood101 - All Rights Reserved ·

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Shop
  • PRIVACY POLICY