Hula Hoop Harvest Game
Supports agricultural awareness, STEM integration, literacy, and social-emotional development at the Infant stage.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS At the Farm
- Learning area: Gross Motor
- Level: EYFS Birth-2
Objectives
- Developmentally appropriate objectives aligned to Infant for Hula Hoop Harvest Game.
Materials
- Level-appropriate farm-themed materials and manipulatives.
Instructions
Materials
- Three hula hoops in different colours
- Soft plush toy vegetables or farm animals
- A clean, padded floor mat
- A shallow wicker basket
- Soft farm-themed music
Learning Objectives
- Develop visual tracking skills by following moving objects.
- Strengthen core muscles through supported sitting or tummy time.
- Enhance sensory awareness by touching different textures.
- Practise reaching and grasping movements toward a target.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Clear a safe, carpeted area and place the padded mat in the centre.
2. Lay the three hula hoops flat on the mat so they overlap slightly.
3. Place one plush vegetable inside each hoop to create a designated harvest zone.
4. Gently place the infant on the mat in a position that is comfortable for them, such as tummy time or supported sitting.
5. Sit directly across from the infant and pick up a plush vegetable from a hoop.
6. Shake the toy to make a soft sound and slowly move it across the infant's field of vision.
7. Encourage the infant to reach for the toy by placing it just within their grasp near the edge of a hoop.
8. Once the infant touches or grabs the toy, celebrate the success with a warm smile and verbal encouragement.
9. Guide the infant to place the toy into the wicker basket to complete the harvest.
10. Repeat the process for a few minutes, keeping the pace slow and responsive to the infant's level of engagement.
Educator Tip
If an infant shows signs of overstimulation or fatigue, end the activity immediately and offer a quiet cuddle. You can differentiate this activity by placing the hoops closer together for infants who are just beginning to roll or further apart to encourage reaching and pivoting for more mobile infants.
Assessment
- Observe if the infant tracks the movement of the plush toy with their eyes.
- Record whether the infant initiates a reach or grasp toward the target object.
- Note the infant's ability to engage with the sensory textures of 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.