Outdoor Social Picnic
To develop social eating skills and group belonging through outdoor picnic experiences.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Personal, Social & Emotional
- Learning area: Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Level: EYFS Birth-2
Objectives
- Participates in group eating
- Shows awareness of others at snack
- Enjoys outdoor social time
- Begins sharing food
Materials
- Picnic blanket
- Outdoor-safe snacks
- Cups
- Wipeable placemats
Instructions
CREATING THE EVENT: Spread a blanket, set out snacks together. Make it special: 'We're having a picnic! Let's sit together outside and eat our snack!' The novelty engages babies.
FACILITATING SOCIAL EATING: Sit babies near each other. Narrate their shared experience: 'You're all eating banana! Mia likes banana too! We're having a lovely picnic together.'
BUILDING COMMUNITY: Use picnic time for gentle social interaction: passing food, waving, chatting. 'Can you pass Leo a breadstick? Thank you! You're sharing with your friend!'
ENJOYING THE OUTDOORS: Combine the social experience with outdoor awareness: 'Can you feel the breeze? Look at the clouds while we eat! Isn't it lovely being outside together?'