France Mapping & Eiffel Tower Build
Level 1 builds foundational geography and cultural awareness. 'France Mapping & Eiffel Tower Build' reinforces identity and belonging.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Around the World
- Learning area: Geography
- Level: EYFS 3-4
Objectives
- Identify country on map
- Follow 2–3 steps
- Recognise flag/colours
- Participate in discussion
Instructions
Materials
- Large printed map of Europe highlighting France.
- Photographs of the Eiffel Tower.
- Sets of wooden unit blocks or large cardboard bricks.
- Blue painter tape for floor markings.
- Small toy cars or figurines.
Learning Objectives
- Identify France as a country on a map.
- Recognise the Eiffel Tower as a famous landmark.
- Develop fine and gross motor skills through block stacking.
- Practise cooperative play by building a structure with peers.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Gather students in a circle and display the map of Europe. Point to France and explain that it is a country far away.
2. Show the photographs of the Eiffel Tower. Describe its shape as tall, pointy, and made of metal.
3. Use the blue painter tape to create a square on the floor to represent the footprint of the tower.
4. Invite students to help build the tower inside the tape square using the blocks.
5. Model how to stack blocks carefully to create a tall, stable structure. Encourage children to place blocks in a pyramid shape if possible.
6. Facilitate a discussion about why the tower is tall and how we can keep it from falling.
7. Once the tower is built, provide toy cars or figurines for the children to move around the base of their structure.
8. Encourage children to describe the tower using words like tall, high, or big.
9. Conclude the activity by having students gently dismantle the tower and return the blocks to the storage area.
Educator Tip
If children struggle with the concept of height, use a measuring tape to compare the height of the tower to the height of a student. This provides a concrete visual of scale. If the group is highly active, focus the activity on the physical act of building rather than the map work to maintain engagement.
Assessment
- Observe if the child can point to France when asked.
- Note the child's ability to stack blocks with increasing stability.
- Listen for the child using descriptive language to discuss the landmark.
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.