Put books at the heart of your activities based on a favourite mythical creature, along with art and small-world play, as Helen Bromley suggests.

Dragons are creatures of myth, fantasy, magic and legend. These amazing winged reptiles have the power to fascinate and inspire tales of adventure, bravery and daring.

Young children's interest in dragons might be aroused by a whole range of stimuli, including books, DVDs, computer games and other media texts. Many practitioners will be aware of the film 'How to Train Your Dragon', based on the books by Cressida Cowell. While the books are aimed at older children, younger children may well be taken to see the animated story and will want to talk about it with their friends and practitioners. Ideas and themes from the film will feed children's play and extend their vocabulary.

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