Last summer the children and I went along to a couple of activities in Swansea that were part of the ParkLives programme.
One of the activities we did was a design a duck session in Brynmill Park, where the children were given a picture of a duck to decorate any way they wanted. When all the pictures were finished a judge came along to pick out their favourites and Rhys was absolutely thrilled when his was chosen.
He won this duck toy, that quacks when you squeeze it, and every time he sees it it acts as this lovely little reminder for him of that day in the park. All these months later I still don’t think he can quite believe that it happened.
One day last week he decided to take his duck into school for show and tell, and he was still happily playing with it and telling people about it when I picked him up at the end of the day.
Rhys’ class has an approach to show and tell that I quite like. They ask the children to only bring in things that they’ve created or that are related to something they’ve achieved. So you might have a child bring in a certificate from their swimming lessons, or a medal from a fun run. You might also have someone bring in a drawing that they did at home that they’re proud of.
I like this idea of giving a bit of focus to show and tell sessions, and also giving the children a chance to share the things they’re proud of with their classmates. To my mind it also teaches the children about celebrating the achievements of others, which I think is great.
They give out ‘dojo points’ in his class too, for things like sitting nicely, being ready to learn, trying hard and generally being helpful in class. Each week the child with the most points gets to take home a little trophy for the weekend.
One of the things that I love so much about this is seeing how pleased the children are for the winner each week. Rhys is always so happy to tell me who is taking home the trophy, there’s not a hint of jealousy there, only happiness.
Wouldn’t the world be a much nicer place if we could all be like that; happy for each other, celebrating other people’s successes.
Sounds like a really good school, inclusive and encouraging.
Great to hear how well he’s doing this year.
Love that idea for show and tell although my son always hated having to talk out loud about anything. Well done on receiving the duck #livingarrows
It is a really nice way of doing it. I never liked talking in front of the class either but it seems my son is quite happy to do it luckily! x
Thats a lovely show and tell activity. And sounds like he has a good school. Yes life would be better if we all get along great =) #livingarrows
I love that duck and the sentiment behind it and the show and tell sounds so lovely. I hope that duck is treasured forever! x
Aww how sweet that the duck means so much to him 🙂 x #livingarrows
It really does, he is so proud of it! x
Aww I love the story behind the duck and what lovely pictures. I remember doing show and fell at school.
This is lovely and I think it’s a great idea for show & tell – Toby always wants to take toys out of Kinder Eggs!! #LivingArrows
Oh how lovely! What a great idea around show and tell. I really like that they have that little support network going on too. We have dojos too although not a cup which is a lovely idea xx #livingarrows
Ah thats lovely, glad he had a good time. That duck is cute!
It is a cute duck isn’t it, and he is so proud of it! x