Hedgeblog: Whatever next!

During Spring 1 half term, many of Hedgehog Class’s learning experiences have been inspired by the wonderful story Whatever Next! by Jill Murphy. 

The young people have loved following Baby Bear on his imaginative journey to the moon — and safely back home again just in time for bath time! The story has given us so many rich opportunities for learning through play, exploration, and creativity. 

Using this beautiful book as our starting point, the young people have been: listening to and enjoying rich storytelling language, exploring sensory experiences linked to space and travel, practising matching and sequencing using objects, symbols and words, developing their imagination through role play and creative activities. 

From packing a picnic for the moon to blasting off rockets, the hedgehogs have fully embraced the adventure. Undoubtedly though, the most enjoyable activity has been creating, testing and mess making with ‘moon sand’!  

We are currently using the photos below to help us create our very own Hedgehog Class media book, retelling the story in our own words. The children are so proud to see their learning captured and shared in this way. 

Enjoying sharing the story. 

We found space helmets.

Blasting off in our space boots. 

We made sandwiches for a picnic. 

Making sandcastles (and mess) with moon sand. 

Making our own rockets and exploring different materials. 

Counting backwards to blast off rockets. 

Following instructions and using our own creativity to make bear masks.  

Developing language, reading and sequencing through communication boards.