Inspired by “Dear Zoo” by Rod Campbell Bring the classic story Dear Zoo to life in your Early Years classroom with this engaging, hands-on resource pack! Perfect for Reception and EYFS settings, this comprehensive bundle supports literacy, fine motor skills, movement, and early maths through fun, story-linked activities. What’s Included: Animal Movement Cards (8 cards) Encourage gross motor skills and storytelling as children imitate the movements of the story’s animals. Trace and Colour Worksheets (8 A4 sheets) Each sheet features a simple outline of an animal to trace and colour, plus the animal’s name in lowercase for early writing practice. Cut and Paste Activity Children cut out the animals and match them to the correct box with its name — great for developing scissor skills and word recognition. Bingo Game (20 cards) A fun small-group activity! Each bingo card features six different animals from the story. Line Tracing Sheets Help the animals find their way back to their crates by tracing simple paths — perfect for pre-writing skills. Display Labels and Word Cards Adjective cards (for describing animals) Animal picture cards Name and image cards Each set follows a colour-coded border system (e.g. all lion-related labels share the same colour) to support sorting and display organisation. “What Am I?” Guessing Game Children look closely at magnified sections of animal images (textures and patterns) to guess which animal it is — encourages observation and language development. Animal-to-Crate Matching Game Match each animal to its correct crate, reinforcing story recall and vocabulary. Size Comparison Activity (3 differentiated sheets) Support early maths and comparative language with prompts such as “The heaviest animal is the…”. Counting Activity Count the number of legs on each animal, represent it in a ten frame, and write the numeral in the box. Clip Cards (1–10) Strengthen counting and fine motor control with themed clip cards featuring animals from Dear Zoo. and 13. Movement Dice (A4 & A3) Children explore how their bodies move in different ways, becoming more aware of space, speed, and shape. Skills Covered: Story sequencing and recall Early writing and letter recognition Fine and gross motor skills Counting and number representation Descriptive language and comparison Observation and problem-solving Body Awareness Gross M Perfect for: EYFS / Reception classrooms Literacy and story-themed centres Whole-class, small-group, or individual learning A creative and comprehensive way to explore “Dear Zoo” — combining movement, storytelling, literacy, and maths in one delightful pack! Updates: 09/12/2025: The resources Dear Zoo Movement Dice (A4) and Dear Zoo Movement Dice (A3) were added. If you like this pack, check out: Guess the animal - Dear Zoo (Canva template + PDF)

Crack the Code Phonics Activity Worksheet Bring excitement to your phonics lessons and provision with this interactive “Crack the Code” activity, designed to help children practise segmenting, blending, and applying their sound knowledge in a fun, problem-solving way! Pupils use their phonics skills to decode the secret words or sentences, matching graphemes to phonemes to reveal the hidden message. This activity reinforces key reading and spelling patterns while encouraging independent thinking and engagement. Perfect for: Small group phonics sessions Morning challenges or early finishers Home learning activities Revisiting specific sounds or sound families What’s included: A themed “Crack the Code” worksheet differentiated for differing abilities. Clear code key and answer sheet

Make storytelling fun, interactive and full of giggles with this engaging World Book Day Silly Story Sentence resource! Perfect for EYFS and KS1, this hands-on activity encourages children to build simple sentences by selecting character, action and setting cards to create their own funny story combinations. Ideal for continuous provision, literacy lessons, small groups or independent learning. Linked to the celebration of World Book Day, this activity supports early writing, sentence structure, reading and oral storytelling skills in a playful, memorable way. How It Works Children use the story-themed sentence mat and select one card from each area Who? Red Riding Hood The Wolf The Wizard The Troll The Dragon The Frog What? is on is up is at is in Where? a tree a ship a bus a car the swings the shop the grass a tent Children then read or write their silly sentence, for example: The Dragon is in a tent. Red Riding Hood is on a bus. The Troll is at the shop. Skills Covered ✔ Sentence structure (who + verb + where) ✔ Capital letters and full stops ✔ Oral storytelling ✔ Reading fluency ✔ Vocabulary development ✔ Imaginative thinking What’s Included Story sentence mat Printable “Who”, “What” and “Where” cards Easy-to-print format Ideal for laminating and reusing Perfect For: EYFS continuous provision KS1 literacy lessons World Book Day activities Small group intervention Early writers Childminders and home learning This simple but powerful resource encourages creativity, laughter and confidence in early writers — while reinforcing key grammar and sentence-building skills. Instant digital download – print and use straight away! Bring storytelling to life this World Book Day and let the silly sentences begin!

Weather Wheel Craft Activity Make learning about the weather fun and interactive with this Weather Wheel worksheet! Children create their own weather wheel by cutting out an arrow and drawing weather symbols (e.g. sun, rain, cloud, snow) into the four sections. This hands-on activity is perfect for introducing or consolidating learning about daily weather patterns, seasonal changes, and observation skills. What’s included: Printable weather wheel template (with 4 blank sections) Arrow template for cutting and attaching with a split pin Supports EYFS and KS1 learning objectives in understanding the world and seasonal weather. No prep required – just print, cut, and create!

70 Spelling activities to reinforce weekly spelling words. Can be used with EYFS, KS1, KS2, and KS3. Here is a large collection of spelling activities that can be used with a range of ages without much editing. I have tried to make them as interesting as possible by using fancy fonts, colours, images and GiFs. I have attached a few screen shots of some of the activities. The activities work best when shown on an ActivInspire Flipchart because there are GiF images and files attached, however, I have also converted the slides to PDF so all can use them. Some pages require you to add the spelling words, some do not. Please feel free to edit as you wish and suggest ways that this resource can be improved. I hope you enjoy them and get use out of them.

Transform your outdoor learning environment with this exciting, ready-to-use EYFS Outdoor Provision Plan! Perfect for sparking curiosity, creativity, and independent exploration, this plan is packed with open-ended, simple resources that let children lead their learning. Inside you’ll find: Provision Overview – Easy-to-follow tables linking areas, resources, activities, and EYFS outcomes Weekly Activity Rotations – Fresh, playful ideas for construction, water & sand play, creative art, loose parts, nature exploration, physical challenges, and early maths & literacy Adult Facilitation Tips – Scaffold learning without taking over, ask thought-provoking questions, and support collaboration Observation & Assessment Focus – Track engagement, creativity, communication, and physical development Practical Tips – Rotate materials, use natural resources, and document transient creations Whether you want to inspire outdoor play, evidence provision for inspections, or share best practice, this plan is fully adaptable, easy to implement, and ready to make your outdoor space a hub of exploration and fun!

Bring the story of The Squirrels Who Squabbled to life with this 35-page resource pack, perfect for Early Years settings. These engaging worksheets and activities are designed to develop early maths, literacy, communication, and personal, social, and emotional skills while keeping children motivated through story-themed tasks. What’s Included: Literacy & Writing: Describe the squirrel using single words Horizontal lined pages: Why do the animals gather food? Book review writing frame Who would you be – Cyril or Bruce? (lined writing page) Look at pictures and write initial sounds Label a squirrel Speech bubbles: What do the squirrels say? Phonics & Language: Connect rhyming words Feelings cards (6 to discuss emotions and expression) Maths & Counting: Colour in the group with more Count and write the correct number Cut and stick pinecones into 5 frames 10 frames with pinecones Add one more / one less Fill in the missing numbers Cut and stick: sharing pinecones between 2 squirrels Large pinecones (for laminating and reusing in sharing/counting activities) Fine Motor & Creative: Maze activity Cut along dotted lines Squirrel mask (fun craft) Create a friendship poster Friend certificates (one for yourself and one for a friend) Understanding the World: Sort the correct food for the squirrel (cut and stick) Colour in the correct animals that hibernate This set is flexible for independent work, group activities, or themed tuff tray setups. Perfect for embedding learning through play while reinforcing key Early Learning Goals. Ideal for: EYFS, Preschool, Nursery, Reception, KS1 introduction to literacy and maths. #EYFS #EarlyYears #StoryResources #TheSquirrelsWhoSquabbled #SquirrelActivities #Phonics #EarlyMaths #FineMotorSkills #StoryThemedLearning #ClassroomResources #TESResources

Can your class tap the beat? Use this ready-made KS1 activity and have fun exploring a new way to emphasise learning the pulse in music.

Halloween Phonics Activity Sheets Four fun and colourful phonics sheets, full of Halloween words Suitable for EYFS and KS1 Words to complete with phonic sounds Differentiated sheets from single letter to trigraph sounds Colouring and challenge task on each page

Tad by Benji Davies – Early Years Maths and Literacy Activity Pack Dive into learning with this engaging resource pack inspired by the charming story Tad by Benji Davies. Follow Tad the tadpole on his journey to becoming a frog, while developing essential early years skills! This pack includes a variety of fun and educational activities such as: Lifecycle cut-and-stick to understand growth stages Ordering by size with hands-on cutting and sticking Positional language exercises to build spatial awareness Short sentence writing to encourage early literacy Counting practice and one less activities Subitising flashcards, snap game, and matching for number recognition Sequencing lifecycle flashcards to support story understanding Perfect for EYFS classrooms or home learning, these activities combine literacy and maths seamlessly through a beloved story theme. If you love this pack, please leave positive feedback and check out my other themed early years resources. #Tad #BenjiDavies #EYFS #EarlyYears #MathsActivities #LiteracyActivities #Lifecycle #Counting #Subitising #EarlyLearning

Fun With Clothes is a 3-page printable resource for EYFS and KS1 with a playful clothing theme. Page 1: Children name, label, and colour a range of clothing items such as swimwear, boots, a tie, shoes, and a jumper. Page 2: A matching activity where children draw arrows to link each picture to its correct clothing item. Page 3: A “doodle fun” challenge where children colour and then count how many of each clothing item they can find. This activity supports vocabulary building, reading, fine motor skills, and counting, while encouraging observation and creativity.

As Halloween approaches, don’t miss out on this specially created “Spooky Fun for All” collection. This unit of work has been carefully crafted, keeping in mind the diverse needs of our SEND, EYFS, and KS1 students. Within, there are 10 fully inclusive Halloween activities, each accompanied by clear objectives, required resources, easy-to-follow steps, suggested adult input, and tailored differentiation strategies to ensure all learners feel valued and engaged. Activities include matching and making pairs, Halloween card making, Bobbing for Apples, making a hat for a witch, carving a Jack O’ Lantern, working with dough and making a scarecrow. The unit culminates in a celebration Halloween party, providing children with a platform to showcase their creations, participate in newly learned games, and join a parade. Included are two sets of 15 Halloween symbols /visuals: one in color and the other in black and white, all themed around and linked to the activities. There are also 2 sample scary poems and imaginative story/poem starters designed to ignite creative writing. Boarmaker licenced.

Halloween Activity Pack for EYFS This specially designed Halloween-themed activity pack supports the Early Learning Goals (ELGs) in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with a focus on early writing, maths, and expressive arts and design. Each activity is crafted to engage young learners while reinforcing key skills through fun, hands-on learning experiences. Successfully implemented with EYFS classes from 2020 to 2024 during the Autumn term, this pack is a proven resource for developing essential early learning skills in a creative and festive way.

Roll into the new term with this fundamental ball skills unit. Used across 5 lessons, this unit comes with 5 detailed lesson plans that are easily adaptable for EYFS and KS1. There is differentiated success criteria for EYFS, Y1 and Y2. Created by an experienced PE subject coordinator, these lessons have been rated Outstanding by PE professionals and leadership teams. Files included: ✸ x4 lesson plans (spread across 5 lessons) ✸ Success criteria for throwing, catching and using a racket ✸ Bean game ideas Lesson 1 Learning Objectives: To perform basic catching skills To follow instructions To understand expectations in PE (R/Y1) Basic Skills & Personal Development: Catching a large ball. (EYFS) Show good control and coordination (EYFS) Throwing and catching skills (Yr 1 / 2 ) Lesson 2 Learning Objectives: Send and receive a ball To show an awareness of the immediate space around our bodies. To practise different ways of sending and receiving a ball. Basic Skills & Personal Development: How to roll different equipment. How to move and stop equipment safely. (Y1) How to catch with both hands. (Y1/2) Lesson 3 Learning Objectives: To use a racket To use space to move safely around others. To use a racket safely to send and receive a ball. Basic Skills & Personal Development: EYFS: Experiments with different ways of moving. Shows increasing control over an object in pushing, patting, throwing, catching or kicking it. Year 1 / 2: Hit a ball with a racket. Follow rules set e.g. Follow a line with a ball. Lesson 4 / 5 Learning Objectives: To perform basic actions using different body parts. To use hands and feet to send and receive a ball. To hit a target with a ball. Basic Skills & Personal Development: EYFS – Thawing an object with increasing control and accuracy Year 1 – Throw an object in different ways Year 2 – Use hitting, rolling and kicking during a game Tags: Y1 Y2 subject lead leader physical education fitness athletics funs basketballs tennis Have any issues with this resource or a request? Contact us directly for the quickest response at: explore_education@outlook.com

Engage Young Learners with a Fun Fruit Counting Scavenger Hunt! This delightful Fruit Counting/Subitising Scavenger Hunt is the perfect activity for Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) children learning to recognise numbers to 10. It combines the excitement of a treasure hunt with valuable counting and subitising practice. What’s Included: Fruit Cut-Outs: Three sheets filled with colourful fruit images ready to be cut out and hidden around the classroom. Recording Sheet: A beautifully illustrated recording sheet for children to mark down the number of fruits they find. This encourages observation and reinforces number recognition. How to Play: Cut out the fruit images. Hide the fruit around the classroom. Give each child a recording sheet. Children search for the hidden fruit and mark the corresponding fruit on their recording sheet. Learning Outcomes: Number recognition to 10 Subitising skills (recognising small quantities instantly) Counting practice Fine motor skills (mark making) Problem-solving and observation skills Perfect for: Classroom activities Small group work Individual learning Home learning Make learning fun and fruity with this engaging Fruit Counting/Subitising Scavenger Hunt! Download and print today for an exciting and educational activity your EYFS children will love.

This collection of 25 hands-on activities is designed to support early years maths development at home. Perfect for parents and caregivers, this resource provides engaging, easy-to-follow activities that cover key early maths skills such as counting, number recognition, shapes, measurement, and patterns. What’s Included: ✔ 25 maths activities covering essential early maths skills ✔ Clear, simple instructions for each activity ✔ Differentiated tasks to suit individual learning needs ✔ Activities using everyday household items Lesson Overview / Structure: ★ Hands-on Activities – A wide variety of fun tasks that reinforce counting, number recognition, shapes, measurement, and patterns. ★ Clear Instructions – Each task includes straightforward guidance for parents and children to follow. ★ Differentiated Challenges – Activities can be adapted for different ability levels to ensure engagement and learning for all children. Why it’s Useful: ✔ Engaging and fun for children, making learning maths an enjoyable experience ✔ Easy to use with simple materials found at home ✔ Flexible for independent play or family learning sessions ✔ Builds a strong foundation in core maths skills for early learners Suggested Use Cases: Ideal for EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) children to support their maths development at home. Suitable for individual play, family learning, or as a supplement to classroom activities. Search Tags: EYFS maths | early years maths activities | home learning | number recognition EYFS | shapes and patterns EYFS | counting activities for kids | maths games for young children

Get your pupils into the spooky spirit with these fun and calming bat colouring sheets perfect for Halloween and autumn-themed lessons. This printable resource is ideal for EYFS and KS1 learners, supporting creativity and fine motor skills while fitting seamlessly into seasonal activities. What’s included: 20 unique bat colouring pages Large, clear outlines for younger learners Black-and-white format for easy photocopying Suitable for both classroom and home learning Perfect for: Halloween crafts and displays Early years art lessons Fine motor development activities Morning work, early finishers, or quiet time Whether you’re exploring nocturnal animals, preparing for a Halloween celebration, or just offering a relaxing activity, these bat colouring sheets are a hit with young learners. Format: pdf ready to print Age range: 3–7 (EYFS – KS1) Add this charming bat colouring pack to your seasonal resources and keep your little learners engaged and excited! Please consider leaving a review if you find this resource useful. Thank you for supporting small creators!

Design Your Own Easter Egg – Encourage creativity with this fun activity where children decorate their own Easter egg! They can use crayons, stickers, or even collage materials to make their egg unique. Easter Tracing Activities – Help develop fine motor skills with a range of tracing activities! Children can trace simple Easter-themed shapes, such as eggs, bunnies, and chicks, as well as pre-writing patterns and letter formation practice. Perfect for EYFS learners! This activity pack supports early writing skills, hand-eye coordination, and creativity while keeping learning fun and festive.

Support your child’s number recognition, fine motor skills, and early maths development with this fun, hands-on matching activity. This printable set includes numbers, finger-count tiles, and object tiles to help children recognise and understand numbers 1–10 — perfect for Velcro® busy books, classroom maths areas, or home learning. What’s Included: Page 1: Columns for numbers 1–5 Page 2: Columns for numbers 6–10 Pages 3–4: Cut-out number, finger-count, and object tiles How It Works: Print the pages at home or school Cut out the number tiles (Optional) Laminate for durability Attach Velcro® dots to the tiles and boards Encourage your child to match each number with the correct finger-count and object tiles Perfect for: EYFS maths development Fine motor skill activities Quiet time or independent play Classroom maths areas or home education