The Little Red Hen Moral Study
Supports agricultural awareness, STEM integration, literacy, and social-emotional development at the Toddler stage.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS At the Farm
- Learning area: Communication and Language
- Level: EYFS 2-3
Objectives
- Developmentally appropriate objectives aligned to Toddler 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 bag of wheat stalks or dried grains for tactile exploration.
- A toy hen puppet or a soft plush chicken.
- A small tray or shallow bin for sensory play.
- A piece of crusty bread or a cracker for a sensory tasting experience.
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate interest in listening to a short story for three to five minutes.
- Recognise and point to the animal character when prompted.
- Engage in sensory exploration by touching the grain and the bread.
- Respond to simple questions about the story with gestures or single words.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Gather the toddlers in a cozy, quiet circle on the floor to minimize distractions.
2. Introduce the toy hen puppet and let each child touch its soft feathers to build a connection to the character.
3. Read the story aloud using a slow pace and an enthusiastic, warm tone.
4. Stop on each page to point at the hen and ask, Where is the hen? Encourage children to point or reach toward the book.
5. Emphasize the repetitive refrain of the story to help children anticipate the next part of the narrative.
6. Present the tray of wheat grains and allow the children to run their fingers through the texture while you describe it as the food the hen worked to grow.
7. Offer a small piece of bread to each child, connecting the final page of the story to the sensory experience of eating.
8. Use simple language to explain that the hen worked hard and then shared her food.
Educator Tip
Toddlers often have very short attention spans for traditional storytelling. If the group becomes restless, focus primarily on the sensory elements and the puppet rather than reading every word of the text. You can always revisit the book in smaller groups later in the day.
Assessment
- Observe if the child tracks the book illustrations with their eyes or fingers.
- Note if the child attempts to mimic the sound of the hen or points to the animal when asked.
- Record whether the child engages with the tactile materials provided during the activity.
Educator tip
Guided questioning to encourage language, reasoning, and participation. Differentiate for ability levels; incorporate sensory supports; ensure safety.
Assessment
Observe and note: emerging independence, two-word combinations, imitation of actions, and early pretend play. Use Development Matters non-statutory guidance checkpoints. Observation checklist or rubric aligned to developmental stage.