French Picnic
Toddlers develop global awareness through movement, repetition, and play. 'French Picnic' supports language growth and curiosity.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Around the World
- Learning area: Gross Motor / SEL
- Level: EYFS 2-3
Objectives
- Label countries or symbols
- Imitate movements
- Match colours/shapes
- Follow 1-step directions
Instructions
Materials
- Large red and white checkered picnic blanket
- Plastic toy baguettes and play fruit
- Small wicker baskets
- Soft music featuring French accordion melodies
- Printed photographs of the Eiffel Tower or French parks
- Child-safe plastic plates and cups
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate basic social interaction by sharing play food with peers.
- Develop gross motor skills by reaching, grasping, and placing items into baskets.
- Practise simple manners such as saying please or thank you during pretend play.
- Recognise the concept of a picnic as a communal cultural activity.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Clear a soft area in the classroom and spread the checkered blanket on the floor.
2. Place the photographs of French landmarks at eye level for the toddlers to observe.
3. Play the French accordion music at a low volume to create a calm, immersive atmosphere.
4. Gather the children on the blanket and model how to place a toy baguette into a basket.
5. Encourage the children to pick up the play food and pass items to their neighbors.
6. Use simple, repetitive language to describe the food, such as bread or apple.
7. Demonstrate how to set the table by placing a plastic plate in front of each child.
8. Prompt the children to practise saying please when they receive an item.
9. Allow the children to explore the materials freely while you narrate their actions.
10. Conclude the activity by singing a simple cleanup song while placing items back into the baskets.
Educator Tip
Toddlers often engage in parallel play rather than direct interaction. If a child prefers to play alone, respect their space while continuing to narrate the activity aloud. This allows them to absorb the cultural context without the pressure of forced social participation.
Assessment
- Observe if the child attempts to place items into the basket independently.
- Note if the child responds to social cues or models the teacher during the exchange of play food.
- Record whether the child shows interest in the visual aids or the music provided.
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.