Ever since we had an explorer’s day at home where we sailed choppy, crocodile infested waters; dug for gold treasures on sandy beaches; rescued each other from dark and gloomy caves; making maps has become a favourite activity. In fact if you rummage through my Minou’s toy boxes the faint scent of coffee will escape from the many ‘weathered’ scrolls.
This activity is best started with a ‘lounge picnic’ to fill stomaches ready for hardy adventures. Throw out a table cloth on the floor and enjoy your feasts.
You can then craft your map to lead you to hidden terrors and delights. Just soak a teabag in some diluted instant coffee and spread liberally over your paper or card stock. Whilst your map dries heighten your littlies’ anticipation with “We’re Going On a Bear Hunt’ to get you all in the explorers’ mindset:
You can even listen to Michael Rosen read it to you: We’re Going On A Bear Hunt (his facial expressions are wonderful!)
I’ve learnt with time (and disaster) to burn the edges with a match BEFORE your littlie devotedly draws precious images. Believe me you don’t want to see their face as you burn their drawing to a crisp when the authentic burnt edging gets out of hand. So post-burn, elaborate your map with crocodiles, dangerous waters, spikey trees and dark caves with big red bears. :
We now have an explorers rucksack filled with essential kit: magnifying glass; rope; compass; keys; crocodiles; treasure; pots to fill with unidentified species; and of course maps! It comes along on each adventure and sometimes even when we walk her dolly’s pram outside because YOU NEVER KNOW when a crocodile may appear in London.
Have fun and go explore!
naomi x
Hello Naomi! What a wonderful idea 🙂 I’ve nominated your blog for the Super Sweet Blogger Award – find out more here http://somanycraftssolittletime.com/2013/05/31/super-sweet-blogger-award/
Clare xx
Thank you!! I’ll have to have a look at what it entails 🙂
What fun!!! Watch out for those crocodiles!
snap snap!