Summer Collage
Infants learn through sensory exploration.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Summer Time
- Learning area: Social Emotional
- Level: EYFS Birth-2
Objectives
- Attend to seasonal visuals
- respond to sensory textures.
Instructions
Materials
- Large sheets of thick, non-toxic cardstock or poster board.
- Various summer-themed fabric scraps like cotton, linen, and silk.
- Smooth, clean natural items such as large seashells or dried grass.
- Non-toxic, edible-safe adhesive like a thin mixture of flour and water.
- Wide, soft-bristled paintbrushes for applying adhesive.
- Low-profile trays to hold materials for easy reach.
Learning Objectives
- Explore different textures through tactile engagement with collage materials.
- Demonstrate interest in visual stimuli by tracking objects with eyes.
- Engage in a shared sensory experience with the educator.
- Practise fine motor skills by grasping or batting at materials.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare a clean, safe floor area by laying down a soft mat for the infants.
2. Secure the cardstock to the floor using masking tape to prevent sliding.
3. Place small amounts of the flour-based adhesive in shallow trays.
4. Arrange the fabric scraps and natural items within the reach of the infants.
5. Invite the infants to sit or lie on their tummies near the materials.
6. Model the activity by gently touching a piece of fabric and pressing it onto the cardstock.
7. Encourage the infants to touch the textures, narrating the experience by saying words like soft, rough, or smooth.
8. Assist infants in placing materials onto the board if they show interest in grasping.
9. Allow infants to explore the adhesive with their fingers, focusing on the sensory experience rather than the final product.
10. Remove the materials after ten minutes or when the infants show signs of fatigue.
Educator Tip
Infants process the world through touch and taste, so ensure all materials are large enough to prevent choking hazards. If an infant is hesitant to touch the glue, place a piece of fabric over the adhesive for them so they can experience the texture without direct contact.
Assessment
- Observe if the infant reaches for or manipulates the provided materials.
- Note the infant's facial expressions or vocalizations when encountering new textures.
- Record the duration of focused attention the infant maintains during the sensory exploration.
Assessment
Observe and note: sustained engagement, sensory responses, early vocalisations, and attachment behaviours. Document using the Characteristics of Effective Learning framework (Playing and Exploring). Observe sensory engagement.