Listen and Read - 'The Field Beyond the Outfield'
Stories anchor the unit emotionally. Hearing about a child in another country who loves soccer makes the World Cup feel personal and builds empathy and language together.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Football Around the World
- Learning area: Communication and Language
- Level: EYFS 3-4, Reception
Objectives
- Listen attentively to a story about children and soccer
- Recall key story details with prompts
- Discuss how sport brings people together
Materials
- A picture book about soccer and friendship across cultures (suggestions: 'Soccerverse', 'The Field', 'Goal!' by Mina Javaherbin)
- Cushion area for circle time
Instructions
Gather children on the carpet. Show the book cover and ask: 'Where do you think these children live? What are they doing?' Take two or three predictions. Read the story aloud with expression, pausing on key pages to ask questions: 'How do you think the boy feels right now? Have you ever wanted to play with new friends?'. After reading, recall the story together using a simple sequence: 'First... then... at the end...'. Hold a short discussion: 'In the story, soccer helped friends from different places play together. How does the World Cup do the same thing?' Each child shares one word about how soccer makes them feel.
Educator tip
Choose a book whose setting matches a country children have chosen as their team. Bring the link back to the wall map.
Assessment
Observe and note: ability to follow two-step instructions, use of new vocabulary in context, early problem-solving strategies, and sustained shared thinking episodes. Assess against Development Matters age-band expectations. Listen for accurate recall, use of new vocabulary, and respectful turn-taking in discussion.