My Teeth's Favourite Things Graph
Level 1 requires guided modelling. 'My Teeth's Favourite Things Graph' reinforces healthy habits and safety awareness in structured format.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Health, Safety and Hygiene
- Learning area: Numeracy
- Level: EYFS 3-4
Objectives
- Follow 2–3 step directions
- Identify key safety or hygiene concepts
- Participate in discussion
Instructions
Materials
- Large poster board with a pre-drawn grid.
- Laminated pictures of healthy foods (apple, carrot, milk) and sugary foods (candy, soda, cake).
- Adhesive hook and loop dots or blue tack.
- Small individual name tags for each student.
- A basket for sorting items.
Learning Objectives
- Sort objects into two distinct categories based on dental health.
- Contribute one item to a group graph.
- Use comparative language such as more, less, or the same.
- Identify the concept of a row and a column.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Gather the children in a circle and display the pictures of various foods.
2. Discuss which foods help our teeth stay strong and which foods might hurt them.
3. Place the poster board on the floor or a low wall where children can reach it easily.
4. Label the left side of the graph with a picture of a smiling tooth and a sad tooth.
5. Invite one child at a time to select a food picture from the basket.
6. Ask the child to decide if the food is a friend to teeth or an enemy to teeth.
7. Assist the child in placing their chosen picture in the correct row on the graph.
8. Encourage the child to place their name tag next to their chosen food item to show their contribution.
9. Once all children have participated, count the number of items in each row together as a group.
10. Ask the children to point to the row that has more items and the row that has fewer items.
Educator Tip
If children struggle with the concept of more or less, use physical blocks to represent each picture. By stacking the blocks next to the pictures, children can visually compare the height of the two towers to determine which category is larger.
Assessment
- The child correctly identifies at least one healthy food item for the graph.
- The child follows the instruction to place their item in the designated row.
- The child uses the terms more or less when prompted to compare the two rows.
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.