“Show Me The Bag!”
Surprise Bags can be used to extend language, help calm an upset child, introduce new ideas and words, extend the awareness of a programmed theme, target children with English as a second language….any time and any place
-have a bag of clothing related to the change of season to assist in a discussion about the change in temperature, different clothing needs…warm hat versus a sun hat, jacket versus a t shirt….
-to encourage a discussion based on “what is this used for?”, “what is it called?”, “where is it found in the centre?”, “what does it feel like?”, have a Surprise Bag of items such as a toothbrush, fork, spoon, small towel, tissue, scissors, clothes peg, comb, crayon….
-have a bag or basket of “Special” items which are rarely used but may capture a child’s attention, especially if there has been some upset. The adult can sit alongside to provide assurance …rather than sitting for some time with the child on e your knee as this may hinder your response to others in the room, and cut off that child from rejoining the others.
-groups of items which make sounds for identification can be presented in a bag for listening to and then visually identifying …for example, a rattle, scrunching cellophane, a drum, a triangle, a whistle, a set of keys shaken…an informal way to assess child’s hearing, for your records
-for a fruit and vegetable theme a bag of these can be presented for the child to identify by feel
-to help develop the concept of “Pairs” a bag of sox, shoes and gloves can be shared amongst a small group for the children to match the item they have been given
-for a Summer Safety awareness a Surprise Bag with sunscreen, hat, lighter clothing, sandals can be used to discuss why each item is important and how it is used