Teach Early Years - Issue 14.2

Putting on a nativity in Reception and Key Stage 1 is no small feat. At the end of a long term, with tired teachers and excitable children, you need something that’s easy to use, inclusive, and full of heart. Knock, Knock! The Nativity from Out of the Ark delivers exactly that. Everything you need is here, either as a physical book and CD or through their brilliantly user-friendly online portal. It’s an all-in-one package that lets you get started straight away. From vocal and backing tracks to lyric displays, character lists, and stage directions, it’s all there, ready to grab and go. For Reception teachers juggling a million things at once, that kind of support is a real gift. The character list is particularly helpful, with a mix of speaking and non-speaking roles, and suggestions for how parts can be adapted depending on your cohort. Whether you’re working with a single class or combining year groups, you can easily scale the production up or down. The script even includes the option for narrators to read lines from a book, which is ideal for little ones still building confidence. Like all Out of the Ark productions, the songs are a real highlight. They’re catchy, cheerful and just right for younger voices. “Our Sheepy Sheep” has been playing in my head all week, and I don’t mind one bit. The lyrics are simple to learn, and the melodies are joyful without being overwhelming. The children will pick them up quickly and absolutely love performing them. Another thoughtful element is the inclusion of Makaton signing videos for each of the songs. It’s a feature that not only makes the performance more inclusive but also helps every child feel part of the show. It’s a great way to build confidence and connection across the whole cohort. I also love how Out of the Ark shares ways to link the nativity back to wider classroom learning. You’re given a dedicated document full of EYFS-friendly ideas that connect beautifully with the show. It really reflects the ethos of early years learning and demonstrates just how much thought and care goes into the planning. One of my favourites is a geography activity where children can draw a map showing the different journeys taken by the nativity characters, marking north, south, east and west and including the star. There’s also loads of support for staging, costumes and props, from simple angel halos and star tabards to scrolls, signs, and even a stable door. These ideas are practical and realistic, with nothing that will require midnight crafting A gentle, joyful and wonderfully inclusive nativity perfect for Reception and beyond MUS IC AT A GLANCE Designed for ages 4–7, with both speaking and non-speaking roles Flexible casting options to suit small or large cohorts Includes instrumental and vocal tracks, staging and prop ideas Clear, engaging script with age- appropriate humour Makaton signing videos and classroom resources included THE VERDICT Easy to use and stress-free to organise Adaptable for different class sizes Songs children love and learn quickly Packed with EYFS-friendly learning links Genuinely inclusive and full of heart UPGRADE IF… …you want a stress-free, age- appropriate nativity packed with charm, great songs, and everything you need to create a magical Christmas performance. REV I EWED BY EMMA THOMPSON Knock, Knock! The Nativity Visit: Outoftheark.com “The tone of the show is spot-on for younger children” marathons. The tone of the show is spot-on for younger children. It mixes traditional elements with a few silly surprises (the sheep are scene-stealers) and creates a performance that will have families smiling from start to finish. 54 Teachearlyyears.com RESOURCE REVIEW