In July 2016 the children started to show a great interest maps and the idea of hunting for treasure. We made our own maps (and a special treasure chest) and explored the yard for hidden gold. Later we read books about pirate adventures and even decorated our very own pirate ship and flag. Ahoy mee-mateys.. it was so much fun.
Stage 1 - Curiosity
How do we draw a treasure map?
During their free play explorations the children demonstrated an interest in treasure maps. They started to make their own at the writing table, and quickly this creative activity that attracted more and more of their friends. Everyone started drawing their own maps.
Stage 2 - Sharing Ideas
We made our own "treasure chest" with gold coins, jewels and gold stars.
The children participated in their own treasure hunts with the treasure tin. The teachers made maps for the children to follow too, to find the hidden treasure in our yard. The children then took the treasure tin to the pirate ship in the yard and pretended they were pirates and went hunting for more treasure. The children extended this play by making pirate hats, eye patches and telescopes to add to the pirate ship.
Stage 3 - Research and investigation
How do we follow the map to find the hidden treasure?
We extended this by reading some books about treasure maps and pirates. The children also extended on their own map making, making more elaborate and detailed maps showing elements of the Wombats yard in great detail.
Stage 4 - Conclusions
Many artistic expressions followed with some great artwork and drawings by our talented little pirates.
The children decided that we needed a new pirate flag for our pirate ship (which is part of the outdoor play equipment.) The children named the pirate ship ‘The Jolly Octopus’ and came up with a design that we then painted onto fabric for our pirate ship.