Summer Collage
Level 2 deepens personal reflection.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Summer Time
- Learning area: Social Emotional
- Level: EYFS Reception
Objectives
- Explain summer preferences
- create detailed collage with writing.
Instructions
Materials
- Large sheets of light blue sugar paper
- Pre-cut shapes representing summer items like suns, flowers, and ice cream cones
- Assorted collage materials such as tissue paper, yarn, and fabric scraps
- Non-toxic liquid glue and small brushes
- Safety scissors for children to practise trimming edges
- Trays for organising loose collage items
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate fine motor control by applying glue and placing small collage pieces.
- Express personal preferences by selecting specific colours and shapes for the project.
- Describe summer experiences using descriptive language during the creative process.
- Practise patience and focus by completing a multi-step art task.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Begin with a brief group discussion about summer, asking children to share one favourite activity or sight they associate with the season.
2. Distribute the blue sugar paper to each child to serve as the base for their summer scene.
3. Place trays of pre-cut shapes and collage materials in the centre of the table to encourage sharing and social interaction.
4. Model the process by gluing a sun shape to the top corner of your own paper, explaining your choice of colour and placement.
5. Invite children to select their own materials and begin arranging them on their paper before applying any glue.
6. Encourage children to use the glue brushes to apply small dots of adhesive, promoting precision over saturation.
7. Assist children in using safety scissors to trim edges of fabric or paper if they wish to customize their shapes.
8. Circulate around the room to ask open-ended questions about why they chose specific items for their collage.
9. Allow the collages to dry on a flat surface before displaying them in the classroom.
Educator Tip
To support children who struggle with open-ended tasks, provide a few visual prompts or photographs of summer scenes to serve as inspiration. If a child feels overwhelmed by the variety of materials, limit their choices to three items to help them focus on the creative process rather than the decision-making.
Assessment
- Observe the child's ability to manipulate tools and materials with increasing coordination.
- Listen for the child's use of vocabulary related to summer themes during the activity.
- Note the child's capacity to follow multi-step instructions from start to finish.
Assessment
Assess against Early Learning Goals (ELGs). Document evidence of 'expected' or 'exceeding' descriptors. Note: independent application of skills, ability to explain reasoning, and capacity to build on prior learning. Observe self-expression, verbal explanation.