Draw in the Oats

What you need

• a baking tray
• a thin layer of rolled oats

How to do it

1. Sprinkle a thin layer of rolled oats over a baking tray.
2. Draw a line through the oats with one finger and show them the path it leaves.
3. Let them drag their fingers, hands and palms through the oats.
4. Shake the tray gently to smooth it out and start again.

Why it matters

A finger dragged through oats leaves a clear line, and a shake wipes it away, so they can make marks over and over.

What they're learning

Making marks

A finger line in the oats is a first drawing.

Finger control

Pointing one finger and dragging it is the start of drawing with a crayon.

Feeling textures

Dry oats feel scratchy and soft at once.

What to look for

Notice them looking back at the line they've just made.

A tip

Rolled oats are safe if they end up in a mouth. Put an old sheet or a tea towel underneath for the oats that escape.

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