Collaborative Farm Mural
Supports agricultural awareness, STEM integration, literacy, and social-emotional development at the Toddler stage.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS At the Farm
- Learning area: Creative Arts
- Level: EYFS 2-3
Objectives
- Developmentally appropriate objectives aligned to Toddler for Collaborative Farm Mural.
Materials
- Level-appropriate farm-themed materials and manipulatives.
Instructions
Materials
- Large roll of butcher paper taped securely to the floor or low wall
- Non-toxic, washable tempera paint in farm-themed colours like green, brown, and blue
- Large foam sponges or soft brushes
- Plastic farm animal figurines
- Shallow trays for paint
- Wet wipes for quick cleanup
Learning Objectives
- Explore sensory properties of paint through tactile engagement.
- Develop fine motor skills by grasping sponges and making marks.
- Practise turn-taking and social awareness during a shared group task.
- Recognise farm-related colours and textures through play.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Secure a long piece of butcher paper to the floor using painter-tape to ensure it stays flat.
2. Place small amounts of paint into shallow trays, ensuring the paint is non-toxic and safe for toddlers.
3. Gather the children around the paper and introduce the farm theme by showing them the animal figurines.
4. Demonstrate how to dip a sponge into the paint and press it onto the paper to create a print.
5. Encourage the children to use the sponges to make marks, swirls, or dots across the paper.
6. Invite the children to press the plastic animal feet into the paint and then onto the paper to create tracks.
7. Narrate the process by using simple language such as cow goes moo or green grass for the animals.
8. Allow the children to move freely around the mural space to explore different sections of the paper.
9. Keep the activity brief, typically ten to fifteen minutes, to match the short attention spans of toddlers.
10. Clean hands immediately after the activity and display the mural at the children's eye level.
Educator Tip
Toddlers often focus more on the sensory experience of the paint than the final product. If a child prefers to use their hands instead of a sponge, allow this exploration as it builds tactile confidence. Always have a damp cloth nearby to manage spills or sensory overwhelm.
Assessment
- Observe if the child engages with the materials independently or requires teacher assistance.
- Note the child's ability to imitate the printing motion modelled by the teacher.
- Record whether the child shows interest in the farm animal figurines during the painting process.
Educator tip
Guided questioning to encourage language, reasoning, and participation. Differentiate for ability levels; incorporate sensory supports; ensure safety.
Assessment
Observe and note: emerging independence, two-word combinations, imitation of actions, and early pretend play. Use Development Matters non-statutory guidance checkpoints. Observation checklist or rubric aligned to developmental stage.