Doll Bathing Narrative
To develop caring vocabulary and instructional language through bathing baby dolls.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Communication & Language
- Learning area: Communication and Language
- Level: EYFS 2-3
Objectives
- Names body parts during washing
- Uses caring language
- Describes actions in sequence
- Shows nurturing behaviour through play
Materials
- Baby dolls of varied ethnicities
- Warm water basin, flannels, towels
- Mild soap, small sponges
- Clean clothes for dressing afterwards
Instructions
Narrate the process: 'Let's give baby a bath! First, we test the water—is it warm enough? Not too hot! Let's put baby in. Splash! Baby likes the water!'
Name body parts as you wash: 'Let's wash baby's tummy! Now baby's arms. Rub rub rub! Are baby's feet ticklish? Tickle tickle!'
Encourage children to take over: 'Now you wash baby's hair! Be gentle—baby doesn't like water in her eyes. What shall we wash next?'
Extend to dressing: 'Baby is all clean! She's shivering—she's cold! Quick, let's wrap her in the towel. Now, can you put on her vest? Which arm goes here?'