All About Us Class Book: Family Belongingness

Infants build foundations through repetition and responsive interaction.

Objectives

Materials

Instructions

All About Us Class Book: Family Belongingness

Materials

- Large, sturdy board book pages (cardstock or laminated paper)

- Child-safe, non-toxic washable ink pads or paint

- Soft, textured materials (fabric scraps, yarn, cotton balls)

- Large, clear photographs of each infant in the class

- Extra copies of infant photographs for parents to take home

- Soft blankets or mats for infants to sit on

- Baby wipes for clean up

- A designated "book creation station"

Learning Objectives

- Infants will explore different textures and materials, connecting them to their home environment.

- Infants will interact with photographs of themselves and their peers, fostering a sense of class community.

- Infants will engage with caregivers and educators, feeling secure and valued.

- Infants will begin to associate familiar faces with a sense of belonging.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Set up a cozy "book creation station" with soft blankets on the floor.

2. Place a large photograph of each infant on their designated mat space.

3. Offer one infant at a time gentle access to the washable ink pads or paint, inviting them to make a handprint or footprint on a board book page, saying, "This is your special mark, just like a special mark at home!"

4. Introduce the soft, textured materials, allowing infants to explore them with their hands and mouths (under close supervision), relating them to soft blankets or cuddly toys they might have at home.

5. As each infant creates a page, verbally acknowledge their contribution and point to their photograph, "Look, [infant's name], this is you! This page is about you and your family."

6. Invite parents or caregivers to participate in a short session where they can help their infant make a mark or touch a texture, reinforcing the home-school connection.

7. Once all pages are complete, assemble the book, placing the photographs of the infants in a prominent position.

8. Read the book together frequently, pointing to the photographs and naming each child, "This is [child's name], and their family. This is [another child's name], and their family."

Educator Tip

Ensure all materials are safe and age-appropriate for infants. Supervise all sensory play closely to prevent choking hazards. For infants who are hesitant, allow them to observe first. Encourage parents to share a photo of their family unit to be included in a separate display, celebrating diverse family structures.

Assessment

Observe infants' engagement with the materials and photographs. Note their reactions to familiar faces and sounds. Document instances where infants show comfort and curiosity during the book-making process and when the book is read aloud, indicating a growing sense of belonging within the classroom community.

Educator tip

Keep stimulation low; follow infant cues.

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 gaze, reach, calm engagement.

More from EYFS My Family