Simon Says (Farm Actions)
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 Simon Says (Farm Actions).
Materials
- Level-appropriate farm-themed materials and manipulatives.
Instructions
Materials
- Soft floor mats or a clean rug for comfort
- Farm animal puppets or plush toys
- A small hand mirror
- A soft blanket for sensory play
- A musical shaker or rattle
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate tracking skills by following the movement of the teacher or a puppet.
- Respond to auditory cues through increased alertness or vocalization.
- Engage in physical movement such as kicking, reaching, or rolling.
- Build social-emotional bonds through face-to-face interaction and imitation.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Arrange infants on the floor mats in a circle or semi-circle to ensure they are comfortable and supported.
2. Introduce a farm animal puppet and use a high-pitched, animated voice to greet the children.
3. Model a simple movement, such as flapping arms like a chicken or wiggling fingers like a pig snout.
4. Narrate the action clearly, saying, Simon says flap your wings, while gently guiding the infant's arms if they are mobile.
5. Use the hand mirror to show the infant their own face as they mimic the movement.
6. Incorporate sensory elements by shaking the rattle when the animal makes a sound, such as a cow mooing.
7. Observe the infant for signs of engagement, such as smiling, babbling, or increased physical activity.
8. Keep the session brief, lasting no longer than five to ten minutes to match the infants attention span.
9. End the activity by cuddling the infants and using a calm, soothing tone to transition to the next routine.
Educator Tip
Infants learn through repetition and consistent facial expressions. If an infant seems uninterested, change the pace or use a different puppet to recapture their attention. Always prioritize physical comfort and safety by ensuring the infants are well-supported during all movements.
Assessment
- Observe if the infant tracks the movement of the puppet with their eyes.
- Note if the infant shows excitement or physical movement in response to the teacher's voice.
- Record whether the infant attempts to mimic the teacher's gestures or facial expressions.
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.