Activity Introduction
Sometimes, a rock might be smooth to touch, and sometimes very rough. It could be heavy, or light. In this activity, you will investigate some objects you find outside, and decide on groups to sort them into.
Safety advice: When you are exploring nature, look with your eyes before your hands, in case there are hidden prickles or insects.
Younger kids will need support to complete this activity.
Ideal for: Early Learning Ages 3 – 4
Themes:
- fresh air
- playtime
- brain teasers
Time required: 15 minutes
Curriculum connections: Mathematics, Science, Numeracy, Critical and Creative Thinking
If you have an enclosed garden, your kid/s can collect the objects on their own. Keep and eye on them to make sure they’re not touching anything dangerous, prickly or unhygienic (!). When they finish collecting, prompt them with questions to help them come up with sorting categories and description words for their chosen option. Give your kid/s a few seconds to think before answering as this well help them sort and recall information before they respond. This will reinforce their own knowledge and confidence.
Curriculum codes:
- EYLF: Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
- EYLF: Outcome 4: Children are involved and confident learners
- EYLF: Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
ELC-focused lesson:
Outdoor Learning – Sorting and Patterns – Early Learning
- Access to outdoors
- Collection of natural objects (found on your walk, or pre-prepared)
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[email protected] from Cool Australia
[email protected] resources are designed for parents and teachers to use with children in the home environment. They can be used as stand-alone activities or built into existing curriculum-aligned learning programs. Our [email protected] series includes two types of resources. The first are fun and challenging real-world activities for all ages, the second are self-directed lessons for upper primary and secondary students. These lessons support independent learning in remote or school settings.
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
