Collaborative Farm Mural
Supports agricultural awareness, STEM integration, literacy, and social-emotional development at the IPC Level 1 stage.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS At the Farm
- Learning area: Creative Arts
- Level: EYFS 3-4
Objectives
- Developmentally appropriate objectives aligned to IPC Level 1 for Collaborative Farm Mural.
Materials
- Level-appropriate farm-themed materials and manipulatives.
Instructions
Materials
- One long roll of butcher paper or kraft paper.
- Washable tempera paint in farm-themed colours like green, blue, brown, and yellow.
- Large foam brushes and sponges.
- Plastic farm animal figurines.
- Pre-cut shapes representing farm elements like barns or silos.
- Glue sticks and child-safe adhesive.
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate fine motor control by using sponges and brushes to cover surface areas.
- Engage in collaborative play by sharing space and materials with peers.
- Identify and name at least three animals or objects commonly found on a farm.
- Practise colour recognition by selecting specific paints for different sections of the mural.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Clear a large floor area and tape the butcher paper down securely to ensure it does not slide while children work.
2. Gather the children in a circle and show them pictures of a farm, asking them to identify animals they see.
3. Place small trays of paint at intervals along the paper to encourage children to spread out and work in different zones.
4. Demonstrate how to dip a sponge into the paint and press it onto the paper to create textures like grass or sky.
5. Invite the children to begin painting the background, encouraging them to talk about what they are adding to the scene.
6. Once the background is dry, provide the pre-cut shapes and glue sticks for the children to add structures like barns or fences.
7. Encourage children to use the plastic farm animal figurines to make tracks in the wet paint or to place them on the mural as decorations.
8. Facilitate brief turns where children explain what part of the farm they are creating to their classmates.
9. Allow the mural to dry completely before hanging it at the children's eye level for display.
Educator Tip
If children struggle with sharing, provide individual small sections of the paper marked with tape to define their personal space. You can extend this activity by adding farm-themed sensory items like dried corn or straw to the mural once the paint is dry to create a multi-sensory experience.
Assessment
- Observe if the child can independently use a tool to apply paint to the paper.
- Note whether the child initiates conversation with peers regarding the placement of animals or structures.
- Record the child's ability to name farm animals during the introductory discussion.
Educator tip
Guided questioning to encourage language, reasoning, and participation. Differentiate for ability levels; incorporate sensory supports; ensure safety.
Assessment
Observe and note: ability to follow two-step instructions, use of new vocabulary in context, early problem-solving strategies, and sustained shared thinking episodes. Assess against Development Matters age-band expectations. Observation checklist or rubric aligned to developmental stage.