Planning a Text-led Curriculum in EYFS - Understanding the World: Creating with Materials
Early Years Resource Description
When planning a text-led curriculum in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), a key focus area is 'Understanding the World: Creating with Materials'. This involves using literature as a springboard to explore and interact with various materials, encouraging children to engage with their environment creatively. Through carefully selected texts, children are inspired to experiment with textures, shapes, and forms, fostering their natural curiosity and developing their sensory experiences. This approach not only enriches their literary understanding but also enhances their knowledge of the physical world around them by making tangible connections between stories and real-life applications.
The curriculum is designed to support children in expressing their ideas and thoughts using a variety of materials and tools. As they listen to and discuss stories, they are prompted to use different mediums to create art and craft projects that reflect themes and elements from the narratives. This interactive process helps to develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and the ability to interpret and represent the world in unique ways. The emphasis on creativity and material exploration within the EYFS framework ensures that children are not just passive listeners but active learners, using texts as a catalyst for imaginative play and creation.