Exploring Fruit and Vegetables

To develop sensory awareness through exploring the textures, smells and appearances of real fruit and vegetables.

• Framework: EYFS
• Unit: EYFS Seed to Table
• Learning area: Understanding the World
• Level: EYFS Birth-2

Objectives

• Explore natural items using multiple senses
• Show curiosity about new objects
• Respond to adult language about properties
• Develop early understanding of the natural world

Materials

• Basket of whole fruit and vegetables (apple, banana, orange, carrot, courgette, sweetcorn)
• Comfortable floor cushions
• Low mirror behind basket
• Wipe-clean mat

Instructions

Sit at the child's level and allow them to lead the exploration. Name each item, describe its properties and respond to the child's interests. Ensure items are washed and safe.

Educator tip

Rotate the items weekly to maintain interest and introduce seasonal variety.

Assessment

Observe and note: sustained engagement, sensory responses, early vocalisations, and attachment behaviours. Document using the Characteristics of Effective Learning framework.

More from EYFS Seed to Table

• Oats and Beans and Barley Grow
• Planting Our Seeds
• From Garden to Kitchen
• The Enormous Turnip Retelling
• Counting and Sorting the Harvest
• Vegetable Printing
• Digging and Planting Outdoors
• Our Garden Journal