Fee-fi-fo-fum!

Have you seen the large green beanstalk in our Loch Ness classroom? It is a sight to see, and a shared group effort completed by our tamariki.

We are currently exploring an investigation into the story of Jack and the Beanstalk, started by a wonderful little girl named Myra that started with us this term. Myra’s whānau shared with us that it was her favourite book, and she impressively could recite every word by memory. We read the book often at group times and provided provocations related to the story.

With this, very quickly the story became a Loch Ness favourite and the tamariki would often be seen roleplaying as the characters. We had parents and whānau sharing to our kaiako that their children were pretending to be giants at home, saying “Fee fi fo fum” as they stomped around the house. The love for the story of Jack and the Beanstalk quickly spread throughout our classroom.

As we ventured up the beanstalk further with the wonderful help of all our teachers, led by our children’s ideas, we created our own beanstalk with cotton-wool clouds, paper-mâché golden eggs and giant boots falling from the ceiling. It is a sight to see!

As we continued our learning adventure, the children showed interest in the magic beans, so together we decided to plant our own beans. The word got out and Alexander’s whānau donated some special beans to our classroom. Alexander and his grandmother Anne then came in for a special Hui time to talk about the special beans and how they are frozen every year to be replanted again the next year. We have been watering our beans and nurturing them to grow, while also learning about the living world.

In the atelier, we explored the sound of footprints and the children often brought up the memory of the giant running after Jack. The children made their own footprints using clay and paint, and we drew pictures of giants that captured the children’s thoughts and ideas around the story.

On this journey of learning, our children have had the opportunity to delve into literacy, creative arts, science, maths, and the living world. The opportunities are endless when we collectively work together and use our imaginations to bring stories to life.