Small world provision · Section 1
Start a woodland story together
A few animal figures, some blocks and a piece of fabric can be the beginning of a woodland world. These illustrated animals are ready to print and prepare, giving children movable characters to combine with their own settings, ideas and stories.
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Take a look inside
Browse an animal sheet and two clearly labelled extracts showing optional names and support guidance. These three watermarked previews give a closer look at the pieces and the practical help included.
On smaller screens, scroll or swipe sideways to browse the three watermarked previews. Download the file for all eight animal figures, optional names, supports and preparation notes.
What’s included in the pack?
Section 1: Woodland Animal Figures. This separate five-page file contains eight animal figures across three A4 sheets, eight optional name cards, a folded-support template and practitioner guidance.
Movable woodland characters
The illustrated pieces can be used flat on a tray or floor, placed in suitable holders or secured to blocks. Offer a few alongside the animals and play materials you already have, then follow the stories the children begin.
Names and supports to choose
Separate name cards let you add simple animal names when useful. The optional support sheet makes four folded stands; print it twice for eight. Practitioner notes explain preparation and assembly, including trying one support with your chosen card first.
One part of the woodland collection. This download contains the animal figures and their supporting materials. Companion files can add settings, habitat invitations and story prompts when these fit the children’s play.
Using the figures in your provision
Combine the pieces with blocks, fabric and checked natural materials. Keep the arrangement flexible so children can move an animal, change a place or introduce a new idea.
Prepare a small selection
Adults print and cut the chosen figures, backing them with card or laminating and trimming. Leave a generous white margin or cut around the rectangle. Choose a few animals to introduce first.
Offer space for a story
Make the figures and a small choice of materials easy to reach. A child might move a character between places, make a home or bring another animal into the story. Follow the direction their play takes.
Let the world change
Leave room to combine these pieces with familiar toys and constructions. Children can change what a place represents, move the characters or return to a story later. Add another piece when it supports an emerging idea.
Keep names optional
The name cards can be cut separately and introduced when they help the play or conversation. Keeping them apart from the figures leaves children free to give a character a name or use it within their own imagined world.
Choose a workable arrangement
Use the pieces flat if that suits your space, or try suitable holders, blocks or the supplied folded supports. Select pieces and joins for the children using them, and offer suitable large alternatives where small accessories are unsuitable.
What should we print?
The file has five pages. Print your chosen animal sheets from pages 2–4 on A4 at 100% / actual size; optional names are on page 4. Page 5 contains four supports, so print it twice if you want one for each animal. Page 1 contains practitioner notes and assembly guidance, with no need to print it.
Do we need to make the folded supports?
No. The figures can also be used flat, in suitable card holders or secured to blocks. If you choose the supports, use firm, foldable card and follow the assembly guidance. Make one first and check that it stands well with your card before preparing the rest. A wide figure may benefit from two supports.
How big are the animal figures?
At actual size, the animals are approximately 6–10 cm along their longest dimension. These are convenient play sizes, so the animals’ relative sizes do not represent a true-to-life scale comparison.
What should adults check before play?
Adults prepare the pieces and choose figures, stands and joins suitable for the children using them. Small clips, pegs and loose parts are unsuitable for children who mouth objects; use suitable large alternatives. Check cut edges and joins, remove damaged pieces and keep the figures dry. Check natural materials before use and wash hands after handling them.
Download the Woodland Animal Figures
Prepare a few animals for your small-world provision and see where the children’s woodland stories take them.
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Add places, homes and story ideas to the animals’ world. “View member resource” opens a download gallery where sign-in may be needed; “View resource details” opens a public information page.
Resource and preview images © Little Owls Resources.