Small World Families
To support understanding of family relationships and develop empathy through small world play.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Personal, Social & Emotional
- Learning area: Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Level: EYFS 2-3
Objectives
- Engages in family role play
- Shows understanding of family roles
- Processes experiences through play
- Demonstrates empathy for figures
Materials
- Diverse family figure sets
- Small world house
- Furniture
- Dolls house
Instructions
PROVIDING DIVERSE FAMILIES: Ensure figures represent different family structures, ethnicities, ages and abilities: 'Here are lots of different families. Some have mummies and daddies, some have two mummies, some live with grandparents.'
FOLLOWING CHILDREN'S PLAY: Watch what children do with family figures. They often process real experiences: bedtimes, mealtimes, arguments, cuddles. Narrate supportively without directing.
EXTENDING GENTLY: If a child makes figures argue, respond calmly: 'The mummy and daddy are cross with each other. That can be scary. I wonder how the little person is feeling?' Open gentle discussion.
CONNECTING TO THEIR LIVES: 'Your family has a new baby! This little baby figure could be your baby sister. What does the big sister do to help? She's SO kind!'