The Little Red Hen Moral Study
Supports agricultural awareness, STEM integration, literacy, and social-emotional development at the Infant stage.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS At the Farm
- Learning area: Communication and Language
- Level: EYFS Birth-2
Objectives
- Developmentally appropriate objectives aligned to Infant for The Little Red Hen Moral Study.
Materials
- Level-appropriate farm-themed materials and manipulatives.
Instructions
Materials
- A sturdy board book version of The Little Red Hen with high-contrast illustrations.
- A small basket containing a plush hen toy and a stalk of dried wheat.
- A soft sensory mat or rug for floor time.
- A clean, small bowl filled with a handful of dry oats or grains.
- A recording of gentle farm animal sounds.
Learning Objectives
- Infants will track the movement of the plush hen with their eyes.
- Infants will explore the texture of the wheat and oats using their hands or mouths.
- Infants will show interest in the teacher's voice through cooing or quiet observation.
- Infants will demonstrate sensory awareness by reacting to the farm animal sounds.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Gather two or three infants on the sensory mat in a quiet corner of the room.
2. Play the farm animal sound recording at a low volume to set a calm atmosphere.
3. Show the plush hen to the infants, allowing them to touch the soft fabric.
4. Read the story aloud using a slow, rhythmic, and expressive tone.
5. Pause frequently to point at the illustrations, naming the hen and the wheat clearly.
6. Present the dried wheat stalk for the infants to touch, ensuring it is safe and free of sharp edges.
7. Place the bowl of oats in front of the infants to allow for tactile exploration of the grain.
8. Narrate the actions of the hen, such as pecking or walking, using simple gestures.
9. Observe the infants for signs of engagement, such as reaching, smiling, or vocalizing.
10. Conclude the session by gently putting the materials away while singing a simple song about the farm.
Educator Tip
Infants have very short attention spans, so keep the reading portion brief and focus primarily on the sensory objects. If an infant loses interest, allow them to move away from the circle rather than forcing participation.
Assessment
- Note if the infant reaches toward the book or the plush toy during the reading.
- Record whether the infant shows a tactile response to the texture of the wheat or oats.
- Observe if the infant turns their head toward the source of the farm animal sounds.
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.