Launchpad - Introducing the topic (10–20 mins)
Step 1Take food out of its packaging and arrange it on the kitchen bench (use foods that can easily be placed back afterwards. E.g. eggs). Place the packaging around the food so that the child cannot easily see how it matches up.
Step 2Explain that most of the food we buy from the supermarket comes wrapped in packaging to keep it safe and fresh. For example, eggs can break if they are not protected, and some foods will go bad if they are not stored in a sealed bag.
Step 3Invite the child to touch and explore the different packaging materials. Use simple language to explain what each piece of packaging is made of. For example, ‘This carton is made of paper’ and ‘This wrapper is made of plastic’.
Discover - Exploring the topic (20–30 mins)
Step 1Encourage the child to identify the foods one at a time. If they are unsure what an item is called, say the name and ask them to repeat it back to you.
Step 2Invite them to select an item, then ask ‘Which package do you think this goes in?’. Encourage them to pick the packaging material and discuss why they chose it. Use prompts like, ‘Do you think this package keeps the food fresh?’ or ‘Can you see the food through this package?’
Step 3When they reach any foods that don’t require packaging (e.g. banana), explain how they have their own type of ‘natural packaging’. For example, the banana skin works the same way as packaging by keeping it covered and stopping it from getting squished.
Step 4After matching all the foods to their packaging, discuss the choices and correct any mismatches. Explain how some packaging materials are better for keeping certain foods safe, and that it takes time to learn which is best. For example, ‘This paper bag is good for mushrooms because it lets them breathe, but this plastic bag is better for bread because it keeps it from drying out.’
Step 5Place the food back in its packaging and ask the child to tell you what they have learned from the activity. Use prompts like, ‘Which foods should be stored in a paper bag?’ and ‘Can you think of any other foods that need to be stored in a paper bag?’
Showcase
Make
Record a video documenting the activity, including interviews with those involved sharing their insights and reflections. This may include filming each step of the flower-pressing process or the child explaining the parts of the flower that they have labelled on their flower-press diagram.
Compile photos, drawings and notes from the activity into a scrapbook, highlighting what has been learned and enjoyed.
Use materials from the activity to build a model or prototype of something related to the topic, fostering hands-on learning and creativity.
Create a game related to the activity, such as a trivia game or charades, to reinforce learning in a fun way.
Play
Set up simple hands-on experiments or demonstrations that promote repeated practice, discussion and ongoing investigation.
Role-play shopping or working at a supermarket using toy props like food and a cash register. Introduce the different sections of the supermarket, such as the fruit section. Show the child toy fruits and explain that some fruits, like grapes, need plastic bags to stay together, while others, like apples, don’t need bags because they are bigger and have their own skins to protect them.
Create a sensory box filled with materials related to the topic and let them explore, touch, feel and manipulate the items freely.
Sing songs (known or made up) and encourage dancing or movement in ways that explore or mimic the concepts being explored.
Write
If the activity involved a visit to a museum or community centre, write thank-you notes to any instructors or organisers, reflecting on what has been learned.
Collaborate on writing a fictional story or play inspired by the themes or concepts explored during the activity.
Reflect on what has been learned during the activity and write letters to be opened at a later date, sharing thoughts, goals and aspirations.
If the activity involved outdoor exploration, begin a nature journal to document future outdoor adventures and observations.
Plan
Brainstorm ideas for a follow-up activity or experiment inspired by what has been learned during the initial activity.
Take time to reflect on how the activity could inspire new goals, discussing ways to incorporate similar experiences into your routine in the future.
If the activity involved a specific topic or field of study, reach out to experts or professionals for interviews or Q&A sessions to deepen understanding.
If you enjoyed the activity, why not share it with other families within your community? Plan a workshop or invite a friend over to re-create the experience and share your new knowledge.