France Mapping & Eiffel Tower Build
Toddlers develop global awareness through movement, repetition, and play. 'France Mapping & Eiffel Tower Build' supports language growth and curiosity.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Around the World
- Learning area: Geography
- Level: EYFS 2-3
Objectives
- Label countries or symbols
- Imitate movements
- Match colours/shapes
- Follow 1-step directions
Instructions
Materials
- Large floor map of the world or a printed map of France
- Blue painter tape for floor outlines
- Large cardboard blocks or soft foam building blocks
- Pictures of the Eiffel Tower printed on cardstock
- Small toy cars or plastic figures for dramatic play
Learning Objectives
- Recognise the visual shape of a tall structure through building
- Develop fine motor skills by stacking and balancing blocks
- Engage in sensory exploration of spatial concepts like up and down
- Practise listening to simple descriptive language about landmarks
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Clear a floor space and lay down the map of France, securing the edges with tape.
2. Gather the children in a circle around the map and show them the picture of the Eiffel Tower.
3. Point to the tower in the picture and describe it using simple words like tall, pointy, and up.
4. Encourage the children to reach their arms up high to mimic the height of the tower.
5. Place the cardboard blocks in the centre of the map area.
6. Model how to stack blocks vertically to create a tall tower, narrating your actions as you go.
7. Invite the children to add their own blocks to the structure, assisting them if the tower becomes unstable.
8. Once the tower is built, place a toy figure near the base to show scale.
9. Allow the children to explore the structure by gently touching it or walking around it.
10. Conclude the activity by singing a simple song about building up and knocking down.
Educator Tip
Toddlers at this age are still developing spatial awareness and may prefer knocking down blocks over building them. Embrace this as part of the learning process, as it teaches cause and effect. If a child shows frustration, focus on the sensory experience of the blocks rather than the final shape of the tower.
Assessment
- Observe if the child attempts to stack at least two blocks vertically.
- Note if the child responds to verbal cues like up or tall.
- Record whether the child shows interest in the visual image of the landmark.
Assessment
Observe and note: emerging independence, two-word combinations, imitation of actions, and early pretend play. Use Development Matters non-statutory guidance checkpoints. Participation, imitation, early vocabulary attempts.