Outdoor Crawling Safari
To develop crawling skills, upper body strength, and sensory awareness through outdoor exploration.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Physical Development
- Learning area: Physical Development
- Level: EYFS Birth-2
Objectives
- Crawls over varied surfaces
- Shows developing upper body strength
- Explores textures through movement
- Navigates outdoor terrain
Materials
- Safe outdoor area with varied surfaces
- Blankets and mats
- Motivating outdoor toys
- Sun protection
Instructions
CHOOSING SURFACES: Set up areas with different textures — smooth paving, soft grass, crunchy gravel paths (supervised). Each surface provides different sensory and motor challenges.
MOTIVATING MOVEMENT: Place favourite toys across the outdoor space so babies have a reason to crawl to them. 'Can you crawl to the teddy?'
DESCRIBING SENSATIONS: 'The grass feels tickly! The path is bumpy! The mat is smooth!' Linking physical experience to language.
ENSURING SAFETY: Check surfaces for hazards. Ensure sun protection. Stay close to supervise on uneven ground.