To Market, To Market by Nikki McClureThis beautiful paper-cut book will make you want to head straight to the market. Aren't markets equally great for people watching as they are for food gathering? This story takes that fascination with other people a step further and gives you a behind the scene peek at the stall holders and small business owners who come to sell their goods at the market. It tells you a bit about how the apple orchard works and how kale is grown seasonally. It shows us the bee keeper doing his work and shares how salmon is smoked. It paints a beautiful picture of food production on a small and personal scale.
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⚈ 1 Play ideas ⚈ 2 Classroom Activities ⚈ 3 Links to more Resources |
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Paper Cutting - Age 2+
The illustration style of this book is fascinating. Be sure to read the last page which describes how McClure cut each picture like a lace pattern, all as one large piece. Done with black card, McClure cuts out her drawings and then colour gets added digitally. You can try something similar using black card or black foam sheets (we used foam). Have your kids draw pictures on the paper or foam. Depending on their age, they can help cut around the outside of the shape while an adult cuts and removes the insides. We ended up with a lovely bee, bunny and snail that are proudly displayed in our playroom. If you wanted a similar look to the book, kids could glue the shapes down and colour parts in as well!
The illustration style of this book is fascinating. Be sure to read the last page which describes how McClure cut each picture like a lace pattern, all as one large piece. Done with black card, McClure cuts out her drawings and then colour gets added digitally. You can try something similar using black card or black foam sheets (we used foam). Have your kids draw pictures on the paper or foam. Depending on their age, they can help cut around the outside of the shape while an adult cuts and removes the insides. We ended up with a lovely bee, bunny and snail that are proudly displayed in our playroom. If you wanted a similar look to the book, kids could glue the shapes down and colour parts in as well!
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Measure and scales - Age 1+
This activity can be easily adapted for younger and older kids. Let little ones explore and play with a kitchen scale. They will enjoy filling it and unloading it with any sort of toy. Substitute real food with play food or use any small objects you have. Kindergarten age or above can start to explore the weight of objects and trying to read the numbers on the scale. Playing with different sized objects means children will be reinforcing language such as biggest and smallest or lightest and heaviest.
This activity can be easily adapted for younger and older kids. Let little ones explore and play with a kitchen scale. They will enjoy filling it and unloading it with any sort of toy. Substitute real food with play food or use any small objects you have. Kindergarten age or above can start to explore the weight of objects and trying to read the numbers on the scale. Playing with different sized objects means children will be reinforcing language such as biggest and smallest or lightest and heaviest.
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Set up shop / Run a stall - Age 2+
Most kids play shop on their own without any one needing to encourage it. However, reading and playing together always enriches the experience. Read the story again and then suggest setting up a market stall. You can include a scale like in the picture above and some play money as well to add some maths to your play.
Most kids play shop on their own without any one needing to encourage it. However, reading and playing together always enriches the experience. Read the story again and then suggest setting up a market stall. You can include a scale like in the picture above and some play money as well to add some maths to your play.
- Create an art project using paper cutting methods that are safe for your age group
- Research paper cutting techniques or the history of the art form
- Learn more about one of the market sellers techniques
- Visit a local market!
- Design a class campaign to encourage the community to shop locally
Watch this short video to introduce the art of paper cutting to older students who can use cutting tools safely.
Click below for other books and activities about food:
