Let's Dress Up Like...
Level 1 requires guided modelling. 'Let's Dress Up Like...' reinforces healthy habits and safety awareness in structured format.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Health, Safety and Hygiene
- Learning area: Art / Drama
- Level: EYFS 3-4
Objectives
- Follow 2–3 step directions
- Identify key safety or hygiene concepts
- Participate in discussion
Instructions
Materials
- A collection of clean, oversized clothing items representing different community helpers like a doctor coat, a chef hat, or a construction vest.
- Two full-length shatterproof mirrors placed at child height.
- A basket of age-appropriate props such as a plastic stethoscope, a wooden spoon, or a toy hard hat.
- Large photos or posters depicting community helpers in their professional attire.
- A designated dress-up corner with hooks for hanging items.
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate the ability to put on or manipulate simple clothing items independently.
- Identify at least two community helpers by their specific tools or clothing.
- Engage in imaginative play by mimicking the actions associated with a specific role.
- Practise social skills by sharing props and taking turns with peers.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Gather the children in a circle and display the photos of community helpers.
2. Discuss what each person does and identify the specific clothing or tools they use to stay safe or perform their job.
3. Introduce the dress-up items and demonstrate how to put on a vest or hat safely.
4. Invite children to choose one item to wear and one prop to hold.
5. Encourage the children to look in the mirror and describe what they see.
6. Ask open-ended questions such as, What is your job today? or How does this hat help you stay safe?
7. Facilitate small group play where children interact with each other while acting out their roles.
8. Provide verbal prompts to help children expand their play, such as suggesting the doctor listens to a patient or the chef stirs a pot.
9. Guide the children through the cleanup process by hanging items back on the hooks.
Educator Tip
To support children who are hesitant to participate, model the role-play yourself by wearing a simple accessory. If the group becomes overstimulated, reduce the number of props available to help them focus on one specific role at a time.
Assessment
- Observe if the child can correctly match a prop to the corresponding professional role.
- Note the child's ability to follow multi-step directions when dressing and undressing.
- Record whether the child engages in sustained pretend play for at least five minutes.
Educator tip
Pre-cut difficult pieces; use visual schedule; model health vocabulary.
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. Checklist: engagement, comprehension, correct task attempt.