Summer Safety Rules
Infants learn safety through caregiver modelling.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Summer Time
- Learning area: Understanding the World
- Level: EYFS Birth-2
Objectives
- Attend to caregiver modelling of safe behaviours.
Instructions
Materials
- Large, high-contrast photos of a sun, a hat, and a water bottle.
- A soft-brimmed sun hat.
- A pair of child-safe sunglasses.
- A bottle of sunscreen (empty or sealed for display).
- A soft, shaded play area or blanket.
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate increased visual tracking of objects related to sun safety.
- Respond to the teacher's voice through cooing or physical movement when presented with safety items.
- Engage in sensory exploration of textures like fabric hats or smooth plastic bottles.
- Develop comfort with wearing protective gear through gentle modelling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Create a calm, shaded environment on the floor using a blanket to simulate a safe summer play space.
2. Gather two or three infants in a semi-circle, ensuring they are comfortable and supported by pillows if needed.
3. Show the infants the sun hat, naming it clearly and slowly.
4. Gently place the hat on your own head, smiling and describing how it keeps the sun away.
5. Offer the hat to the infants to touch, allowing them to feel the fabric and explore the texture with their hands.
6. Present the sunglasses and the sunscreen bottle one at a time, using simple, repetitive language such as sun hat or cool shade.
7. Briefly place the hat on each infant for a few seconds, providing verbal reassurance and praise for their cooperation.
8. Conclude the activity by singing a short, rhythmic song about staying cool in the shade.
Educator Tip
Infants process safety concepts through sensory association rather than verbal instruction. Keep the session brief, lasting no more than five to seven minutes, to match their attention span. If an infant shows discomfort with an item, remove it immediately and focus on the visual aspect of the object instead.
Assessment
- Observe if the infant tracks the movement of the safety items with their eyes.
- Note whether the infant reaches out to touch or grasp the materials provided.
- Record if the infant displays a calm or positive reaction when the teacher models wearing the sun hat.
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 attention to caregiver actions.