Spanish Counting Hide & Seek
Toddlers develop global awareness through movement, repetition, and play. 'Spanish Counting Hide & Seek' supports language growth and curiosity.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Around the World
- Learning area: Gross Motor
- Level: EYFS 2-3
Objectives
- Label countries or symbols
- Imitate movements
- Match colours/shapes
- Follow 1-step directions
Instructions
Materials
- Five large, brightly coloured plush animals or soft balls.
- A small basket or bin for collecting items.
- Laminated cards featuring the numbers 1 through 5.
- A clear, safe indoor space free of tripping hazards.
- A soft chime or bell to signal the start of the game.
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate gross motor control while crawling or walking to retrieve objects.
- Recognise the sound of Spanish number words through repetitive exposure.
- Practise basic turn-taking and following simple verbal directions.
- Develop spatial awareness by locating hidden objects in the room.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Gather the toddlers in a circle and introduce the plush animals.
2. Hold up each animal and count them aloud in Spanish, saying uno, dos, tres, cuatro, cinco.
3. Invite the children to watch as you hide the animals in plain sight behind low furniture or soft cushions.
4. Ring the chime to signal the start of the search.
5. Encourage the children to move around the room to find one animal at a time.
6. As each child finds an animal, guide them to bring it to the basket.
7. Count the retrieved animal aloud in Spanish with the child, reinforcing the language connection.
8. Repeat the process until all five animals are safely in the basket.
9. Celebrate the completion of the task with a gentle group clap.
Educator Tip
Toddlers at this age are still developing their attention spans, so keep the hiding spots very obvious to prevent frustration. If a child struggles to find an item, provide verbal cues like warm or cold or point toward the object to maintain their engagement and confidence.
Assessment
- Observe if the child can follow the simple instruction to move toward a specific object.
- Note if the child attempts to repeat the Spanish number words during the counting phase.
- Record the child's ability to participate in the group activity without becoming overwhelmed by the movement.
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.