Farm Careers Exploration
Supports agricultural awareness, STEM integration, literacy, and social-emotional development at the Infant stage.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS At the Farm
- Learning area: Understanding the World
- Level: EYFS Birth-2
Objectives
- Developmentally appropriate objectives aligned to Infant for Farm Careers Exploration.
Materials
- Level-appropriate farm-themed materials and manipulatives.
Instructions
Materials
- Three soft-bodied dolls dressed in different farm outfits like overalls or a hat.
- A collection of clean, farm-themed props such as a small plastic shovel, a toy egg, and a piece of burlap fabric.
- A set of high-contrast photographs showing farmers performing daily tasks.
- A sensory bin filled with dried corn kernels or soft hay for tactile exploration.
- A soft, farm-themed board book with varied textures.
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate visual tracking by following the teacher as they move props across the floor.
- Respond to sensory input by reaching for or touching different textures like hay or fabric.
- Exhibit social engagement through cooing or smiling during teacher-led storytelling.
- Practise grasping and releasing objects during sensory play.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Create a calm, floor-based play area using a soft rug or mat.
2. Place the photographs of farmers at eye level for the infants to see while they are lying on their stomachs or sitting.
3. Introduce the dolls one at a time, using a gentle voice to describe what the farmer is doing, such as feeding animals or planting seeds.
4. Allow the infants to touch the fabric of the dolls' clothing to experience different textures.
5. Present the sensory bin filled with hay or corn, ensuring all items are large enough to prevent choking hazards.
6. Guide the infants hands to touch the materials while narrating the experience.
7. Use the props to model simple actions, like pretending to scoop with the shovel, while encouraging the infants to mimic the movement.
8. Conclude the session by reading the board book, pointing to the pictures of the farm tools and workers.
Educator Tip
Keep sessions brief, as infants have limited attention spans. Focus on the sensory experience of the materials rather than the abstract concept of a career, as the goal is to build familiarity with farm-related objects through touch and sight.
Assessment
- Observe if the infant shows interest by turning their head toward the teacher or the props.
- Record whether the infant reaches out to touch the textures provided.
- Note if the infant displays positive emotional responses like smiling or vocalizing when interacting with the materials.
Educator tip
Guided questioning to encourage language, reasoning, and participation. Differentiate for ability levels; incorporate sensory supports; ensure safety.
Assessment
Observe and note: sustained engagement, sensory responses, early vocalisations, and attachment behaviours. Document using the Characteristics of Effective Learning framework (Playing and Exploring). Observation checklist or rubric aligned to developmental stage.