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  • Launchpad - Introducing the topic (10–20 mins)

    Step 1

    Begin by showing the child a toy car and explain that today they are going to explore different surfaces where toy cars can drive.

    Step 2

    Engage the child in a brief conversation about where they think toy cars can go. Use simple prompts like, ‘Can cars drive on grass?’ and ‘Where do you see cars driving?’ to guide the discussion.

  • Discover - Exploring the topic (20–30 mins)

    Step 1

    Take the child outdoors to find different textured surfaces. Show them examples such as the pavement, sidewalk or driveway. Ensure these areas are safe and suitable for the activity (avoiding general road traffic).

    Step 2

    Place a sheet of paper over a chosen surface. Help the child hold a crayon and rub it gently across the paper to reveal the texture underneath.

    Step 3

    Encourage the child to feel the surface with their hands and describe how it feels using words like smooth, rough, bumpy.

    Step 4

    Discuss with the child which surfaces they think toy cars could drive on and why some surfaces are easier for cars to travel on than others. Ask questions like “Do you think toy cars can drive on this bumpy surface? Why or why not?” to stimulate their reasoning.

    Step 5

    After exploring several surfaces and making crayon rubbings, gather the child’s observations. Ask questions like “Which surface do you think would be best for toy cars? Why?”

Showcase

– Sharing the outcomes (15+ mins)
Select any option from the table or try our recommendation.

  • 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.

    Invite the child to roleplay what it would feel like to travel in a car on different surfaces. Use household items to create props such as a steering wheel and seats. Take turns being the driver and passenger, with one person shouting out the surface the car is about to drive on. Make noises and movements to represent how the different surfaces might feel. e.g. bumpy, smooth, grassy, noisy.

    Create a sensory box filled with materials related to the topic and let them explore, touch, feel and manipulate the items freely.

    Integrate music and movement to further explore animal movements with the child. Sing popular songs that encourage mimicking animal actions, such as ‘Old MacDonald had a farm’, ‘The wheels on the bus’ (e.g. ‘The bunnies on the bus go hop, hop, hop’), ‘Five little monkeys jumping on the bed’ and ‘If you’re happy and you know it’ (e.g. ‘If you’re a lion and you know it, roar out loud’). Encourage the child to dance and move like the animals mentioned in the songs.

  • 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.

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