Macmillan Children’s Books, the publishers behind the acclaimed Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell, aimed to offer educators valuable resources linking the beloved book to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Their goal was to create content that seamlessly integrates Dear Zoo into early childhood education, aligning with EYFS objectives. By developing educational materials that connect the book’s themes and activities to EYFS standards, Macmillan sought to support teachers in using Dear Zoo as an effective tool for fostering young children’s development and learning. This initiative was designed to enhance the book’s educational impact and provide practical, curriculum-aligned resources for educators.
We designed play-based lesson plans specifically for children aged two to three, featuring simple and engaging activities that align with the early years curriculum. These lesson plans were crafted to include various opportunities for differentiation, ensuring that they could be adapted to suit the diverse needs and abilities of young learners. By focusing on play-based methods, we aimed to create an educational resource that supports holistic development and encourages active participation.
The play-based lesson plans successfully addressed the diverse needs of children aged two to three, providing adaptable activities that engaged all levels of ability. Educators found the resources effective for integrating into the early years curriculum, enhancing both inclusivity and learning outcomes. The plans promoted a supportive and dynamic learning environment, contributing positively to children’s development and enjoyment in their educational experiences.
“Working with FUNdamentally Children on resources for Dear Zoo was brilliant – they created wonderful resources to tie our book to the Early Years curriculum, allowing us to offer content to support educators in Dear Zoo’s anniversary year.”