Alexander's Outing

Based on Pamela Allen’s book ‘Alexander’s Outing’, children trace Alexander’s journey through the garden and solve mathematical problems along the way.

• Actively participate in a retelling of the story Alexander’s Outing.
• Adventure through the Garden to count bird numbers, identify shapes in the environment and compare the height and width of trees eg bottle trees.
• Use mathematical language while re-enacting the rescuing of Alexander by using water to make him float.

• Estimating, counting and comparing the number of objects in a group, e.g. birds near the pond.
• Using everyday and comparative language to describe length e.g. long, longer walk through the Garden, tall, taller trees.
• Filling and emptying containers with water e.g. to rescue Alexander, and use the terms “full”, “empty” and “about half full”.
• Describing and naming familiar two-dimensional shapes in the environment e.g. triangles in the harbour bridge.
• Responding to the shared reading of texts for enjoyment and pleasure and retell familiar stories e.g. Alexander’s Outing.

Focus Syllabus Outcomes

Mathematics

• Describes mathematical situations using everyday language, actions, materials and informal recordings (MAe-1WM)

English

• Communicates with peers and known adults in informal and guided activities demonstrating emerging skills of group interaction (ENe-1A)

Supported Syllabus Outcomes

Mathematics

• Uses objects, actions, technology and/or trial and error to explore mathematical problems (MAe-2WM)  
• Describes and compares lengths and distances using everyday language (MAe-9MG)
• Describes and compares the capacities of containers and the volumes of objects or substances using everyday language (MAe-11MG) 
• Manipulates, sorts and describes representations of two-dimensional shapes, including circles, triangles, squares and rectangles, using everyday language (MAe-15MG)

English

• Demonstrates developing skills and strategies to read, view and comprehend short, predictable texts on familiar topics in different media and technologies (ENe-4A)