Small World Farm Talk
To develop narrative language, animal vocabulary, and dialogue through small world farm play.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Communication & Language
- Learning area: Communication and Language
- Level: EYFS 2-3
Objectives
- Names farm animals
- Creates simple play narratives
- Uses character voices
- Engages in sustained imaginative play
Materials
- Farm set with animals, fences, buildings
- Tractor and trailer
- Play people and farmer figures
- Straw, sand tray for landscape
Instructions
Join the play at the child's level. Pick up an animal and give it a voice: 'Moo! I'm a cow. I'm hungry! Where's my grass? Can you help me find some food?'
Model narrative: 'The farmer woke up early. He drove his tractor to the field. First he fed the chickens—cluck cluck—then he milked the cow.'
Ask open questions: 'Where is the horse going? What is the pig doing? Why is the sheep in the barn?' Extend children's play narratives.
Introduce new vocabulary: 'The tractor is pulling a trailer. The trailer carries hay. Hay is dried grass that the animals eat in winter.'