This is a fun challenge for all the children from Y1 to Y6.  The reason behind this is based on research that the National Trust carried out in 2012 entitled “Natural Childhood” which highlighted how today’s children are losing touch with the natural world and the long-term effect this can have on a child’s education and health.  It found that fewer than 1 in 10 children play regularly in wild places and that time spent playing in parks, woods and fields had reduced dramatically due to digital technology, lack of time and green spaces and also parental fears.  Then in February 2016, a two-year study funded by the government found 1 in 9 children in England have not set foot in a park, forest, beach or any other natural environment for at least 12 months.

Our teachers have spent a long time discussing what the 60 Things to do should be.  We have tried to include a range of activities that include outdoor experiences, arts and crafts, life skills, social activities, cultural experiences and many more.

At school we will be encouraging the children to complete the first 20 things whilst they are in Y1 and Y2.  The next 20 in Y3 and Y4 and finally the last 20 whilst in Y5 and Y6.

Your child will be given their own booklet of 60 Things to do.  They will need to collect and collate their work and this can be done in their green exercise book or in their own folder from home.  This will become a log of the activities from Y1 through to Y6.  The books or folders will be kept at home.

Periodically we will ask the children to bring in their booklets and books/folders to share with their teachers and peers. Children will be given plenty of notice and typically it is every term, after a half term holiday. They will need to have provided evidence in their books/folders of what they have completed. This could be in the form of photos, leaflets, art work and written work such as labels and captions, diary entries or recounts of the activities.

We will be asking the children to bring in board games to play for an afternoon session whilst the teacher spends time with each child finding out what they have been up to at home.  

Occasionally children will be set a Half Term challenge. In the past this has been making a den, making a cake and making a mini garden. The participation has been phenomenal and some featured in The Maidenhead Advertiser!

We really hope you enjoy completing the challenges with your children!