EYFS activities are what make a child’s time at nursery so enjoyable. However, thinking of new and fresh ideas the children will love can leave you in a scroll hole on your favourite social media platform. If you’re looking for a big bundle of EYFS activities that are engaging, easy to resource and linked to the seven areas of learning – you’ve found it!
How do you plan EYFS activities?
Choosing an EYFS activity should include more thought than ‘that looks like a nice idea’. Early years activities that are varied and linked explicitly with the seven areas of learning and development help children build a balance of skill and knowledge. Think of a child’s development like an old-fashioned Egyptian pyramid. In order for the child to reach the pinnacle, there first must be solid foundational blocks. Each of these blocks should be the same size. Clare Stead, Early Years expert and founder of Oliiki Some children may be more motivated than others to engage in detail-oriented activities (like fine motor skill development). Having a wide range of EYFS activities up your sleeve can help to build a broad range of skills and competency across each of the seven areas of learning. Before you plan your EYFS activities, you should look at the learning dynamics in your nursery. For example, if your nursery room has a large proportion of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), this will influence the direction of your planning.
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EYFS activities for communication and language development
Communication and language is one of the three prime areas of learning. Understanding others and sharing thoughts and feelings are needed to build friendships, confidence, and interest in the wider world. Many communication and language activity ideas and games don’t need resourcing (a bonus!) and can be played in a spare 5 minutes or even during an outdoor walk. Get creative with some EYFS communication and language activities. Here are some of our favourites: Would you rather? Ask questions during a walk, car or train journey. You can start with easy options like, would they rather be a lion or a monkey? And expand their imagination further by asking if they would rather be a monster-sized insect or an insect-sized monster.
Can you find me the…?
Great for those children between 12-24 months who understand more than they can verbally communicate. Play the game to help tidy up, or get outside and see what you can notice when out in nature. Sharing these activities via Blossom’s Parent App can give parents inspiration for games to try at home.
Teddy bear’s picnic
You may not realise how many social cues are involved in a teddy bear’s picnic or a tea party. Encourage your nursery children to serve delicious food and drink indoors or outdoors – you can even read the age-old favourite story, A Tiger Who Came to Tea.
Swing, swing
Outdoor playtime runs smoothly when children can take turns and play together. If your nursery has a swing set, encourage the children to work together to give simple instructions of go, stop, fast or slow. For more ideas, check out our full list of 19 Activity ideas for outstanding communication and language development in EYFS.
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PSED EYFS activity ideas for your nursery
Everyday activities you organise for the children in your care will help to support their Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED). You can play several games with children to help them develop these essential skills further. Let’s look at some simple EYFS PSED activities you can try.
Emotional regulation activities
Emotional regulation is a skill that most adults haven’t quite nailed yet. Beginning to recognise, accept and then regulate feelings (big or small) at an early age is essential for building a strong understanding of self. Sensory circuits can help to regulate children’s emotions when they are feeling dysregulated. Record any changes to a child’s behaviour through staff observations, these can be saved for other practitioners to access or shared with parents. Bunny breathing. Mindfulness activities for EYFS are a great way to build the skill of focusing on the present. It can help settle a child if they are anxious or worried. Try great ideas like bunny, teddy or feather breathing with your child. You might be surprised how much you find it beneficial, too!
