France Mapping & Eiffel Tower Build
Level 2 deepens inquiry and comparative thinking. 'France Mapping & Eiffel Tower Build' promotes appreciation of diversity and global citizenship.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Around the World
- Learning area: Geography
- Level: EYFS Reception
Objectives
- Explain cultural features
- Record findings
- Collaborate in group tasks
Instructions
Materials
- Large printed map of France featuring Paris and the Eiffel Tower.
- Sets of wooden blocks or magnetic building tiles.
- Printed photographs of the Eiffel Tower from different angles.
- Blue sugar paper and white chalk.
- Small toy cars or figures for scale.
Learning Objectives
- Identify France on a world map or globe.
- Describe the physical characteristics of the Eiffel Tower, such as its height and triangular shape.
- Demonstrate spatial awareness by attempting to replicate a structure using blocks.
- Practise cooperation by working with a partner to complete a building task.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Gather the children in a circle and display the map of France. Point to Paris and explain that it is the capital city.
2. Show the photographs of the Eiffel Tower. Ask the children to describe what they see, focusing on the shape and the way it reaches toward the sky.
3. Invite children to trace the shape of the tower in the air with their fingers to internalize the triangular base and narrow top.
4. Provide each group of three children with a set of building blocks.
5. Challenge the children to build their own version of the tower. Encourage them to use wider blocks at the bottom for stability and narrower pieces as they build upward.
6. Walk around the room to support children who struggle with balance, suggesting they use a broader base.
7. Once the towers are standing, place the toy figures at the base to help children understand the scale of the real landmark.
8. Have children use the blue paper and chalk to draw a night sky background for their towers.
Educator Tip
If children struggle with the structural integrity of their towers, introduce masking tape to help secure the blocks. This allows them to focus on the aesthetic design of the landmark without becoming discouraged by frequent collapses.
Assessment
- Observe if the child can correctly point to France when prompted.
- Note the child's ability to use wider blocks at the base of their structure to create a stable foundation.
- Record whether the child uses descriptive language to explain their building process during the activity.
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.