This week in understanding the world we have been looking at harvesting, What can be harvested?, who harvests them? and why we harvest fruit and vegetables.
"Harvesting" in the Early Years refers to engaging young children in activities related to the gathering of crops, fruits, and vegetables. It's a fantastic way to introduce them to concepts of nature, food, and the wider world.
Key Learning Areas in EYFS Covered by Harvesting Activities:
Understanding the World:
The Natural World: Learning about plant life cycles, where food comes from, the importance of water and sunlight, and the role of insects.
People, Culture and Communities: Understanding how farms provide food, the concept of a harvest festival, and the idea of sharing and gratitude.
Physical Development:
Fine Motor Skills: Planting small seeds, picking berries, husking corn, using child-friendly gardening tools.
Gross Motor Skills: Digging, carrying baskets, moving around a garden or outdoor space.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development:
Managing Self: Developing patience as they wait for plants to grow, taking responsibility for caring for plants.
Self-Regulation: Sharing tools, taking turns.
Building Relationships: Working cooperatively with peers and adults.
Communication and Language:
Listening, Attention and Understanding: Following instructions for planting and harvesting.
Speaking: Describing textures, smells, and tastes of harvested items, discussing what they are doing.
Mathematics:
Number: Counting fruits, vegetables, or seeds; measuring quantities of soil or water.
Shape, Space and Measure: Sorting by size, comparing quantities.
Expressive Arts and Design:
Creating with Materials: Making fruit/vegetable prints, collages with seeds, designing scarecrows.
Being Imaginative and Expressive: Role-playing a farmer or market stall holder.
Harvesting Activities for EYFS:
Real Garden Harvesting:
Planting and Growing: If possible, have a small garden patch where children can plant seeds (e.g., beans, cress, sunflowers) and care for them. The ultimate harvesting experience!
Picking: Picking ripe fruits (strawberries, raspberries) or vegetables (peas, cherry tomatoes) they have grown.
Root Vegetable Digging: Burying vegetables like potatoes or carrots in a sensory bin filled with soil or compost for children to "dig up."