My Little Baker

Following multi-step directions is a crucial skill for academic success. When children assemble a figure from multiple pieces, they must sequence their actions and exercise patience. The puppet outcome provides natural motivation to complete the task, and the resulting toy encourages continued imaginative play.

Framework: EYFS
Unit: EYFS Piece of Cake
Learning area: Art and Creativity
Level: EYFS 3-4, Reception

Objectives

Create a paper baker figure using geometric shapes
Follow multi-step directions to complete a craft project
Develop fine motor skills through cutting and gluing

Materials

Pre-cut geometric pieces for baker construction (circles for heads, rectangles for bodies, triangles for hats)
White sugar paper for chef hats
Glue sticks
Child-safe scissors
Googly eyes and markers for face details
Craft sticks for puppet handles

Instructions

Prepare all craft materials in advance, pre-cutting shapes for children who are not yet ready for independent cutting. Organise pieces in small containers or plates at each workstation so children can easily access what they need.

Gather children and show a completed baker puppet. Use it to speak to the class in a silly baker voice, building excitement for creating their own puppets. Explain that they will make a baker friend who can help them act out baking stories.

Model the assembly process step by step, working slowly and narrating your actions: "First, I'm going to glue my circle head onto my rectangle body. I put glue on the back of the circle, then press it firmly onto the body. Now I hold it for a few seconds so it sticks well."

Release children to begin their own puppets while you circulate and provide support. Rather than doing the work for struggling children, offer hand-over-hand guidance: "Let me help steady your hand while you press the glue."

Once basic figures are assembled, invite children to add details: eyes, mouths, buttons on aprons, decorations on chef hats. This personalization phase allows for individual creative expression within a structured project.

When puppets are complete, have children attach craft sticks to the backs for handles. Conclude with puppet play time, encouraging children to use their bakers to act out stories, sing songs, or converse with classmates' puppets.

Educator tip

Some children may become frustrated if their puppets do not look exactly like the model. Emphasize that every baker is unique and that differences make puppets special. Avoid comparing children's work to each other.

Assessment

Observe and note: ability to follow two-step instructions, use of new vocabulary in context, early problem-solving strategies, and sustained shared thinking episodes. Assess against Development Matters age-band expectations. Observe each child's ability to follow multi-step directions in sequence. Note fine motor development including cutting and gluing accuracy. Document engagement in imaginative puppet play.