Summer Collage
Toddlers develop self-expression through art.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Summer Time
- Learning area: Social Emotional
- Level: EYFS Birth-2
Objectives
- Express preferences through choice-making
- glue and tear materials.
Instructions
Materials
- Large sheets of sturdy sugar paper or cardstock
- Non-toxic, washable glue sticks or thick glue dots
- Pre-cut shapes representing summer themes like suns, flowers, and leaves
- Textured materials such as felt, cotton balls, and crinkled tissue paper
- Shallow trays for organising collage materials
- Smocks for all children
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate fine motor control by grasping and placing collage items.
- Explore sensory properties of different materials through touch.
- Practise making individual choices by selecting items from the tray.
- Engage in a shared creative experience with the educator.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare a clean, low table where children can sit comfortably or stand securely.
2. Place a small amount of collage materials into shallow trays to prevent over-stimulation.
3. Invite children to the table one or two at a time to maintain a calm environment.
4. Model the process by picking up a piece of felt and pressing it onto a piece of paper.
5. Demonstrate how to use a glue stick by applying it to the back of a paper shape.
6. Assist the child in guiding their hand to press the item firmly onto their paper.
7. Encourage the child to choose their own materials, allowing them to focus on the sensory experience rather than a finished product.
8. Narrate their actions using simple language like "You are sticking the yellow sun" or "That feels soft."
9. Keep the activity short, as toddlers often have a limited attention span for structured tasks.
10. Display the finished collages at the child's eye level to celebrate their self-expression.
Educator Tip
Toddlers often explore materials by putting them in their mouths, so ensure all items are large enough to be safe and non-toxic. If a child shows little interest in the glue, focus the activity solely on the sensory exploration of textures and colours to keep the experience positive and pressure-free.
Assessment
- Observe if the child attempts to grasp and manipulate the collage materials.
- Note whether the child shows preference or makes choices between different textures.
- Record the child's level of engagement during the one-on-one interaction with the educator.
Assessment
Observe and note: sustained engagement, sensory responses, early vocalisations, and attachment behaviours. Document using the Characteristics of Effective Learning framework (Playing and Exploring). Participation, choice-making.