Midsummer madness

Midsummer magic

What you need: Access to internet

• Whole class to watch film
• Small groups to dance and act out story.

EYFS Area of learning > Physical development > Motor Skills > Gross Motor Skills

EYFS Area of learning > Communication & language > Speaking

1. Talk about Midsummer’s day and some of the traditions linked with this time of year. It is especially important in Scandinavian countries where it is the most important holiday after Christmas. Midsummer Eve is associated with magical creatures such as dragons, giants, unicorns, witches and fairies. Bonfires are lit to celebrate the sun as the days start to get shorter. Wheels are set alight and rolled down hills on fire.
2. Try this drama game using magical creatures. Ask children to think of different ways these creatures would look and move. Let them experiment and choose how to demonstrate the different creatures. Can they stomp around and roar like dragons? Can they fly on tiptoe like fairies? Play a ‘Beans’ style game shouting out the names. When you shout out bonfire all the children must come together and kneel or stand on the floor with their hands waving like flames in the air.
3. Visit the CBeebies website to watch a short animated version of Midsummer’s Night Dream or to listen to an audio retelling of the story. Talk about the characters and the story. Where and when was it set?

Main
Talk about the names of the magical characters in the play – Oberon, Titania, Puck, Peasblossom, Cobweb, Moth and Mustardseed. Can the children make up some new fairy names using flowers, herbs and vegetables, such as Courgetteseed or Rosepetal?