Let's Investigate - Woodland Footprints

This set of engaging woodland footprints is a great way for children to start their woodland explorations! Each stone has the raised footprint of an animal on one side and an image of the animal indented into the other. Take the stones on a group walk to compare them with any animal tracks the children discover (or prepare some of your own if needed). Press the footprint into the ground to check, then flip the stone over to identify what animal left the marks. Replicate the same treasure hunt by leaving trails of footprints in the outdoor area of your setting. What animal might the children find at the end: fox, squirrel, rabbit, frog, deer, buzzard, owl or mouse? When they do find the footprint stones, they can sort them by categories, such as feathers, claws, diet. They can record their findings by taking rubbings, making impressions in play dough, creating prints using paints and investigating what else they can find out about each animal. When the work is done, the children can give the footprints a good clean with soap and water before a new woodland adventure tomorrow. The footprints are made from a unique stone mix and are robust enough to be used throughout an early years setting, both inside and outdoors. Contains eight double-sided stones (70 –80mm). Age 2+.