Early years activity: New Year Time Capsule
New Year is a time for new beginnings and reflection. Create your own new year time capsule to help children think about the present and the future.
New Year Time Capsule activity learning aims
- Develop vocabulary
- Share personal items and experiences
- Think about personal preferences and goals
- Introduce concept of present and future.
Resources you will need for this activity
- An item that can be used as your time capsule
- A selection of objects personal to children
- Pens and paper
- Photographs
- Ribbon/string/envelope (optional)
- Sticker.
New Year Time Capsule activity outline
- Talk with children about the New Year and discuss how people use this time to make new resolutions and set goals for themselves. Offer an opportunity to share any resolutions you or the children may think of
- Introduce the idea of the time capsule. Discuss how you can record the ‘present’ with items from what children are doing now, to look back at in the ‘future’. Explain that the time capsule will remain sealed for a whole year
- Discuss the types of things the children might want to include in their time capsule. Make suggestions such as a drawing each child has created, a photograph of the group or individual children. You could measure each child, using ribbon or string and put each ribbon measurement into a named envelope. You could include hand or foot prints and special items from home
- Invite children to set a goal they would like to achieve over the upcoming year (such as be able to zip up their coat independently or ride a two-wheeler bike) and record what their goals are
- Involve children in gathering the agreed items for your time capsule (this may take a few days). Once complete, seal your time capsule and add a sticker with the date the capsule can be opened. Time capsules are usually buried but if you are unable to do so, think about a suitable place where it can remain undisturbed.
How to extend this activity
Remember to make a note in your calendar for when the capsule can be opened and the contents re-visited with the children.
Disclaimer: Activities with children must always be risk assessed, including for allergies or choking. Children must always have adequate supervision. Resources and materials must always be appropriate for children’s age and stage of development.
- Activity
- MyNDNA
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