Box of Tricks

Episode   28                                                                Planet: Self

Learning concept of the episode: We appreciate others for their differences, and the differences themselves can be helpful in certain situations. 

Story Summary

Bing is preparing to paint a nearby tree while Bong, who is bored, stumbles upon a Cube and a group of Spherical Locals who are playing games. Turning into a ball, bong joins in and rolls through the empty Cube along with the locals. In another game, Bong rolls down a chute along with the Locals, but there is a problem- because of its corners, the Cube can’t roll and gets caught. In a third game, the cube is once again excluded because of its shape. But when Bong and the Locals have to board a track device, the cube is no longer at a loss – its shape gives it an advantage ad it is able to carry everyone safely across.

Focus Early Learning Goal

Personal, Social and Emotional Development 13: Understand that people have different needs, views, cultures and beliefs that need to be treated with respect.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development 14: Understand that they can expect others to treat their needs, views, cultures and beliefs with respect.

Linked ELGs

CLL6, CLL8, KU8,

Preparation

• Watch the Tiny Planets episode 
• Talk about what Bing and Bong did in the story

Talk about…..

• Shapes
• 3D Shapes
• How being tall/small can be helpful e.g. reaching for high up things etc.

Focus Activity

Tricky Box

Follow-on Activities

• Shape sorting
• Looking at our differences e.g. height and weight

Tricky Box

Aim

To make and play with a simple game to throw balls into circle and square shapes

Resources

• Large cardboard box
• Scissors/craft knife
• Pencil
• Paint to decorate (optional)
• Different types of balls

Guidelines

• Make sure distance from box is appropriate for age / ability of children
• Cut the shapes out accordingly
• Try different sized balls for different shapes

Key Vocabulary

Circle, square, triangle

Health & Safety

Prevent children from handling scissors or knife; make sure that there are no breakable objects within throwing distance; if playing outdoors, make sure children are dressed and supervised correctly.