Sun Catchers & Letter S
Toddlers develop seasonal awareness through movement and repetition.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Summer Time
- Learning area: Communication and Language
- Level: EYFS Birth-2
Objectives
- Label summer objects
- imitate movements
- follow 1-step directions.
Instructions
Materials
- Large cardboard cutouts of the letter S
- Clear contact paper with the sticky side facing up
- Pre-cut shapes of translucent coloured tissue paper
- Painter tape to secure materials to the table
- A small mirror for facial recognition of the S sound
Learning Objectives
- Recognise the visual shape of the letter S.
- Develop fine motor skills through grasping and placing paper pieces.
- Associate the letter S with the theme of Summer.
- Practise the S sound through repetitive verbal modelling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the workspace by taping the cardboard S frames onto the table.
2. Apply the contact paper over the frame so the sticky side is exposed for the children.
3. Gather the children in a small group and hold up a large letter S.
4. Say the letter name clearly and make the sssss sound while pointing to the sun outside the window.
5. Demonstrate how to pick up a piece of tissue paper and press it onto the sticky surface.
6. Encourage each toddler to place their own pieces within the boundaries of the S frame.
7. Assist children who struggle with the sticky texture by guiding their hand to the paper.
8. Narrate their actions by saying words like sticky, soft, and S for summer.
9. Allow the children to explore the sensory experience of the adhesive until the letter is covered.
10. Remove the tape and hang the finished sun catchers in a sunny window to display the light.
Educator Tip
Toddlers often find the sensation of sticky contact paper overwhelming. If a child hesitates to touch the surface, provide a small paintbrush or a plastic spoon for them to press the tissue paper down instead of using their fingers. This keeps them engaged without causing sensory distress.
Assessment
- Observe if the child attempts to place tissue paper within the designated letter area.
- Note if the child responds to the sssss sound during the demonstration.
- Record whether the child can identify the letter S when prompted by the teacher.
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, imitation, simple labelling.