Who lives in the deep dark wood?
Dignity of the Human Person and Solidarity and the Common Good- What makes me and others unique and loved by God?
Gospel Virtues: Curious and Active.
British Values: Individual Liberty.
This half term, we are exploring the question, “Who lives in the deep dark wood?” through stories, science, and hands-on discovery. We will meet woodland animals, imaginary characters, and even the people who live and work near the woods. Using the Catholic Social Teaching themes of dignity of the human person and solidarity and the common good, we will think about how everyone, people and animals alike, are unique, loved by God, and part of God’s family.
As geographers, we will explore the woods by comparing real habitats to the story settings, creating journey sticks, and learning how the environment supports life. We will observe plants, animals, and seasonal changes, and ask questions about how they live and grow.
As scientists, we will investigate the woods by exploring habitats, asking questions about animals and plants, and observing seasonal changes. We will test objects to see if they float or sink, explore pushes and pulls, and discover how light and sound can affect the world around us.
Throughout our learning, children will enjoy exciting, hands-on activities. All of this will help us answer our big question while thinking about how we can care for each other and the world around us, reflecting God’s love, respect, and the importance of working together for the common good.
Books We Will Read This Half Term:
Hansel and Gretel – exploring choices, bravery, and woodland adventures.
The Gruffalo – comparing real and imaginary woodland creatures.
Little Red Riding Hood – learning about trust, safety, and family.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears – comparing characters and exploring change through making porridge.
The Three Little Pigs – investigating materials and building strong homes.
Jack and the Beanstalk – exploring bravery, consequences, and imaginative adventures.
Delightfully Different Dilly – celebrating uniqueness and understanding dignity and respect.
That Fruit is Mine! – exploring sharing, fairness, and caring for others.
These stories support children’s learning about who lives in the deep, dark wood while exploring the Catholic Social Teaching principles of Dignity of the Human Person and Solidarity and the Common Good. Through woodland adventures, children encounter characters who make choices, show bravery, and experience consequences, helping them reflect on how every person is unique and loved by God.
The tales encourage children to:
Recognise and respect differences (e.g., Delightfully Different Dilly, The Gruffalo), fostering an understanding of human dignity.
Consider the impact of their actions on others (e.g., Goldilocks and the Three Bears, That Fruit is Mine!), promoting fairness, sharing, and the common good.
Value relationships and community (e.g., Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood), seeing how caring for others strengthens bonds.
Reflect on God’s love for each person, celebrating uniqueness, courage, and kindness in themselves and others.
Together, these stories help children explore the question: “What makes me and others unique and loved by God?”, showing that God values every individual and that acting with respect, care, and fairness contributes to the wellbeing of all.