Feely Bag Describing
To develop tactile vocabulary and descriptive language skills through mystery touch exploration.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Communication & Language
- Learning area: Communication and Language
- Level: EYFS 2-3
Objectives
- Uses touch-related adjectives
- Describes objects without seeing them
- Makes guesses based on touch
- Shows growing descriptive confidence
Materials
- Drawstring fabric bag
- Objects with distinctive textures (sponge, key, ball, spoon, brush)
- Matching picture cards
Instructions
Model first: 'I'm putting my hand in—no peeking! I can feel something… it's round… and bouncy… and smooth. What could it be? A ball!'
Support children's describing with prompts: 'Is it big or small? Is it hard or soft? Is it bumpy or smooth?' Wait for each answer before asking the next.
Celebrate all descriptions: 'You said it was cold and hard—and it's a key! Keys ARE cold and hard! You're brilliant at describing!'
For very young 2s, start with just two very different objects and let them see before feeling: 'Is it the sponge or the ball? Feel it and tell me!'