Passports Project
Infants build neural foundations through sensory pairing and repetition. 'Passports Project' introduces global diversity in developmentally appropriate way.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Around the World
- Learning area: Internationalism
- Level: EYFS Birth-2
Objectives
- Attend to visual cultural images
- Respond to music
- Explore textures
- Begin global awareness through sensory exposure
Instructions
Materials
- Small booklets made of thick cardstock and sugar paper.
- Non-toxic, washable ink pads in various colours.
- A collection of soft fabric swatches representing different textures.
- A small handheld mirror.
- A world map printed on a soft, tactile floor mat.
- Digital camera or tablet for documentation.
Learning Objectives
- Infants will track the movement of the passport booklet with their eyes.
- Infants will demonstrate sensory engagement by touching the textured pages.
- Infants will respond to the teacher's voice and descriptive language about travel.
- Infants will show recognition of their own reflection when looking at the passport photo page.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare a personalized passport for each infant by attaching a small photo of the child to the first page.
2. Lay the world map mat on the floor and invite the infants to sit or lie in the centre.
3. Show the passport to the infant and use a gentle, animated tone to explain that this is their special book for travel.
4. Allow the infant to grasp and explore the booklet, ensuring the edges are rounded and safe for mouthing.
5. Guide the infant's hand to touch different textured swatches glued inside the passport pages to stimulate sensory development.
6. Use the ink pad to create a gentle thumbprint on a page, explaining that this is their unique mark.
7. Hold the handheld mirror next to the passport photo to help the infant connect their reflection to the image on the page.
8. Narrate the experience using simple words like travel, world, and friend to build early vocabulary.
9. Conclude the activity by placing the passports in a designated basket for future exploration.
Educator Tip
Since infants have limited attention spans, keep this activity brief and focused on one-on-one interaction. If an infant becomes overstimulated by the textures or the ink, move to a quiet area or switch to simple verbal storytelling to maintain a calm environment.
Assessment
- Observe if the infant reaches for the passport when it is presented.
- Note if the infant shows interest in the textures by patting or grasping the pages.
- Record whether the infant tracks the teacher's movements or responds to their voice during the demonstration.
Assessment
Observe and note: sustained engagement, sensory responses, early vocalisations, and attachment behaviours. Document using the Characteristics of Effective Learning framework (Playing and Exploring). Observe gaze tracking, reaching, emotional regulation.