Family Collage: Photos + Beginning Sounds

Toddlers learn through action + language.

Objectives

Materials

Instructions

Materials

Large sheets of sugar paper (one per child)

Glue sticks

Child-safe scissors

A variety of family photos pre-cut into manageable sizes (ensure a mix of adult and child faces, pets, and home exteriors)

Markers or crayons

Optional: Stickers with simple shapes or familiar objects

Learning Objectives

Children will identify familiar faces in photographs.

Children will explore and experiment with gluing materials onto paper.

Children will begin to associate the sounds of letters with family vocabulary.

Children will express ideas about their families through their collage choices.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Gather children in a small group around a table. Show them a few family photos, saying, "Look! This is a picture of my family." Point to yourself and say your name.

2. Introduce the activity by saying, "Today, we are going to make a special picture of our families!" Lay out the sugar paper and glue sticks.

3. Offer children a selection of family photos. Encourage them to point to faces and name family members if they can, or simply describe what they see ("baby," "dog," "house").

4. Demonstrate how to put glue on the paper and stick a photo down. Say, "This is how we make our family collage!"

5. Allow children to select photos and art supplies to create their collages. Provide guidance and support as they glue.

6. As children add photos, ask them about who is in the pictures. You can prompt with beginning sounds: "Is that a picture of [Father]? F-f-father. It starts with the sound 'f'!"

7. Encourage children to draw or add stickers to their collages, perhaps a "h" for "home" or a "p" for "pet."

8. Once completed, have each child share their collage and talk about the pictures they chose.

Educator Tip

For younger toddlers who may struggle with fine motor skills, you can pre-apply glue to the paper areas where photos will go. If children are not yet verbal, allow them to point and vocalize their choices. Safety is key: ensure all photos are intact and large enough to not be choking hazards. Encourage family involvement by asking them to send in a few photos beforehand.

Assessment

Observe children's engagement with the photos and their ability to identify familiar faces. Note how they attempt to use the glue sticks and place photos on the paper. Listen for any vocalizations or attempts to name family members or objects in the pictures. You can also take photos of their completed collages along with brief anecdotes about their choices for documentation.

Educator tip

Use choice questions; keep groups small.

Assessment

Observe and note: emerging independence, two-word combinations, imitation of actions, and early pretend play. Use Development Matters non-statutory guidance checkpoints. Observe participation, labelling.

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