African Treasure Hunt
Level 1 builds foundational geography and cultural awareness. 'African Treasure Hunt' reinforces identity and belonging.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Around the World
- Learning area: Gross Motor
- Level: EYFS 3-4
Objectives
- Identify country on map
- Follow 2–3 steps
- Recognise flag/colours
- Participate in discussion
Instructions
Materials
- Five to seven small, colorful fabric pouches or wooden boxes.
- Plastic gold coins, polished river stones, or wooden beads.
- Large printed images of African animals like lions, elephants, and zebras.
- Painter tape for marking paths.
- A small drum or tambourine.
- A basket for collecting treasures.
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate gross motor coordination by crawling, walking, or hopping between stations.
- Follow multi-step verbal directions to complete a sequence.
- Practise cooperative play by waiting for a turn and sharing collected items.
- Identify at least two African animals through visual recognition.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Arrange the classroom into a path by placing animal images at different intervals.
2. Hide one treasure pouch near each animal image.
3. Gather the children in a circle and explain that they are explorers on a journey through the African savanna.
4. Demonstrate the movement for each section of the path, such as stomping like an elephant or creeping like a lion.
5. Use the drum to signal when it is time to move to the next animal station.
6. Instruct the children to find the hidden treasure at each stop and place it in the shared collection basket.
7. Encourage children to hold hands with a partner while moving between stations to foster cooperation.
8. Once all treasures are collected, gather the group to count the items together.
9. Allow children to take turns holding the basket to build a sense of shared accomplishment.
Educator Tip
If children struggle with the group pace, provide individual visual cards that show the next animal they need to visit. This helps maintain focus and reduces frustration for children who prefer to move at a different speed.
Assessment
- Observe if the child follows the movement cues provided by the drum.
- Note the child's ability to locate a hidden object within a defined area.
- Record whether the child successfully participates in the group collection process without needing constant redirection.
Assessment
Observe and note: ability to follow two-step instructions, use of new vocabulary in context, early problem-solving strategies, and sustained shared thinking episodes. Assess against Development Matters age-band expectations. Checklist: participation, correct identification, completion of task.