Farm Counting & Number Sets
Supports agricultural awareness, STEM integration, literacy, and social-emotional development at the Infant stage.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS At the Farm
- Learning area: Mathematics
- Level: EYFS Birth-2
Objectives
- Developmentally appropriate objectives aligned to Infant for Farm Counting & Number Sets.
Materials
- Level-appropriate farm-themed materials and manipulatives.
Instructions
Materials
- Five soft, plush farm animals such as a cow, pig, sheep, chicken, and horse.
- A shallow, clean wicker basket or soft fabric bin.
- A high-contrast farm-themed picture book with large illustrations.
- A soft play mat or rug for floor-based interaction.
- A set of small, textured fabric squares for sensory exploration.
Learning Objectives
- Track moving objects with eyes to follow the teacher's hand movements.
- Respond to the teacher's voice through cooing, smiling, or increased physical activity.
- Reach for and grasp objects to explore textures and shapes.
- Demonstrate awareness of quantity through exposure to repetitive counting language.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Arrange the infants comfortably on the floor mat in a circle or semi-circle.
2. Place the plush farm animals inside the basket to pique curiosity.
3. Remove one animal at a time, holding it up so the infant can see it clearly.
4. Name the animal and make its corresponding sound in a clear, gentle voice.
5. Count the animal aloud as you place it on the mat, saying, One cow.
6. Allow the infant to touch the texture of the plush toy to engage their tactile senses.
7. Repeat this process for each animal, maintaining a slow and rhythmic pace.
8. Encourage the infants to reach for the toys, providing support for those who are developing motor skills.
9. Read a short page from the farm book to reinforce the visual connection between the toy and the image.
10. Conclude the activity by placing all animals back into the basket one by one while counting again.
Educator Tip
Infants have a very short attention span, so keep the session under ten minutes. If an infant loses interest, transition to a simple sensory song or allow them to explore the textures of the plush toys independently.
Assessment
- Observe if the infant turns their head toward the sound of the animal or the teacher's voice.
- Record whether the infant attempts to reach for or grasp the plush animals.
- Note if the infant shows excitement or changes in facial expression when the teacher counts aloud.
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.