FS2 Go Wild About Safari!
13th June 2026
Our FS2 adventurers have thrown themselves heart and soul into our exciting topic, "What Might I See on Safari?" Over the last few weeks, the classrooms and outdoor areas have been buzzing with the sounds of the African savannah as the children explored the incredible wildlife right on our doorstep. We infused some wonderful early Science into our theme by looking closely at how animals are grouped and the children have quickly become absolute experts at identifying and sorting different creatures into mammals, reptiles and birds. We connected this learning to two fantastic core texts, Handa’s Surprise and On the Way Home, which the children loved linking to their own growing knowledge of safari animals as they discussed different habitats and animal behaviours.
Our outdoor and sensory play spaces completely transformed to bring the savannah to life. In the water area, the children collaborated to construct watering holes for the animals, while the sandpit was re-imagined into a massive safari park complete with hand-carved rivers, rolling hills, and deep valleys. A busy "bush wash-up" station was established where our rangers-in-training took great pride in scrubbing down safari utensils and drying them in the sun. The children also had a wonderful time experiencing "bucket showers," discovering with lots of giggles just how people wash when they are out camping in the wild.
The absolute highlight of our topic was a thrilling expedition to the Lolldaiga Conservancy. Armed with keen eyes and immense excitement, the children embarked on a real-life game drive where they eagerly put their phonics skills to the test, playing a lively game of "I Spy" to spot things beginning with different letter sounds along the way. They were incredibly lucky with their wildlife sightings, spotting majestic elephants, towering giraffes, mighty buffaloes, sweeping herds of antelopes, trotting warthogs, and wild ducks. To top it all off, the children enjoyed a lovely picnic lunch right by a scenic dam where they were treated to the unforgettable sight of elephants in the distance. It has been a spectacular unit of learning, and we are so proud of how respectfully and enthusiastically the FS2 children conducted themselves out in the wild!
