The Three Billy Goats Gruff — Sensory Story & Feeling Words

Infants learn through repetition, sensory input, and responsive interaction—building neural foundations for language and emotional security.

Framework: EYFS
Unit: EYFS Fairy Tales
Learning area: Communication and Language
Level: EYFS Birth-2

Objectives

Attend to voice
Track visuals
Explore textures
Begin recognising soothing vs excited tone

Materials

Board/cloth book or picture cards
2–3 textures
Soft puppet
Blanket
Mirror (optional)

Instructions

Hold book at infant eye level; narrate slowly with repeated key words. Offer one texture at a time to touch; pause for gaze/reach; mirror the infant's sounds; end with calm 'safe/soft' routine.

Educator tip

Keep stimulation low; repeat daily; follow infant cues; stop if overstimulated; sanitize materials.

Assessment

Observe and note: sustained engagement, sensory responses, early vocalisations, and attachment behaviours. Document using the Characteristics of Effective Learning framework (Playing and Exploring). Observe eye tracking, reaching, cooing, settling with routine.