African Treasure Hunt
Level 2 deepens inquiry and comparative thinking. 'African Treasure Hunt' promotes appreciation of diversity and global citizenship.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Around the World
- Learning area: Gross Motor
- Level: EYFS Reception
Objectives
- Explain cultural features
- Record findings
- Collaborate in group tasks
Instructions
Materials
- Printed images of African animals, such as lions, elephants, and zebras.
- Small wooden boxes or baskets to serve as treasure chests.
- Gold-coloured plastic coins or yellow felt circles.
- Masking tape for marking paths on the floor.
- A map of the African continent printed on large poster paper.
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate gross motor coordination by navigating a multi-step obstacle course.
- Practise cooperative play by working in pairs to collect and transport treasure.
- Identify at least three animals native to the African savanna.
- Follow multi-step verbal directions to complete a sequential task.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Arrange the classroom into a savanna-themed obstacle course using masking tape lines and animal images.
2. Gather the children and show them the map of Africa, briefly discussing the animals they will encounter.
3. Divide the children into pairs and explain that they must work together to find the hidden treasure.
4. Instruct the pairs to move through the course by mimicking the movement of a specific animal, such as stomping like an elephant.
5. Place the treasure chests at the end of the course and hide the gold coins along the path.
6. Direct the children to collect one coin at a time and place it into their shared treasure chest.
7. Encourage the children to communicate with their partner about which path to take to reach the next coin.
8. Once all coins are collected, have the pairs return to the starting point to count their treasure together.
Educator Tip
To support children who need extra movement, encourage them to create their own animal sounds while navigating the course. If a pair struggles with cooperation, model how to hold hands or walk side by side to keep the team moving in unison.
Assessment
- Observe if the child can maintain balance while moving through the obstacle course.
- Note the ability of the child to share materials and take turns with their assigned partner.
- Confirm the child can correctly name the animals encountered during the hunt.
Assessment
Assess against Early Learning Goals (ELGs). Document evidence of 'expected' or 'exceeding' descriptors. Note: independent application of skills, ability to explain reasoning, and capacity to build on prior learning. Observe explanation quality, cooperation, accuracy.