Before the lesson
Have ready
- Tuff tray.
- A selection of everyday technology to explore: mobile phones, walkie talkies, tablet/iPad, digital camera, digital clock, remote control, electric toothbrush.
- Tools: magnifying glasses.
- Activity: Everyday technology images (see Classroom resources).
Activity set-up
- Gather a selection of objects from the Have ready section.
- Set up a tinker tray by placing your sourced items and tools on to the tuff tray or flat surface for the children to explore.
- You could create two different stations, one for tinkering and taking objects apart, and the other for exploring objects that can be turned on and used.
Learning objectives
- To learn how to explore and tinker with hardware to develop familiarity and introduce relevant vocabulary.
- To recognise that a range of technology is used in places such as homes and schools.
EYFS outcomes
Communication and language
- Learn new vocabulary
- Use new vocabulary through the day
- Ask questions to find out more and to check they understand what has been said to them
- Use talk to help work out problems and organise thinking and activities, and to explain how things work and why they might happen
Physical development
- Develop their small motor skills so that they can use a range of tools competently, safely and confidently
- Confidently and safely use a range of small apparatus, alone and in a group
Characteristics of Effective Learning
- Playing and exploring
Outcomes taken from Development Matters, 2021.
ELGs taken from the Statutory framework for the EYFS, 2021.
Activity
The children independently explore the tinker tray of objects. The children to match the Activity: Everyday technology images to the objects that you have collected, encourage them to comment on which ones they are familiar with.
During a carpet session, look again at the photographs and ask the children to:
- Name each object.
- Describe what they are used for.
- Identify where they can be found.
Teacher notes
Your role is to support and guide the children as they play and explore. Encourage children to talk about the objects that they are familiar with. Observe whether the children know how to use them.
Play alongside the children, demonstrating how to use certain objects as you do so.
You could leave this activity out in your provision for a few days.
Key vocabulary
-
Computer
-
Dial
-
Memory
-
Technology
-
Power
-
Electricity
-
Batteries
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Click
-
Push
-
Pull
-
Twist
-
On
-
Off
Prompts for learning
- Some of these objects have batteries in them. Can you find them all?
- The objects that don’ not have batteries use mains power and electricity to work.
- Let’s use our magnifying glasses to look closely at the different parts. What can you see?
- We can take the cover off by undoing these screws.
- Can you name some of the different things you can see?
- Do you have any of these things at home?
- Can you show me how it works?
- I wonder what we will find inside if we take it apart?
- Let’s look at these pictures together. All of these objects use computing to work.
- Can you help me to put these batteries back in again?
Observations
Can the children:
- Show an interest in exploring the objects?
- Assimilate new vocabulary given by an adult or peer and use it themselves?
- Ask relevant questions about the objects?
- Show critical thinking or problem solving skills when exploring the items (eg. how to take out and replace batteries)?
- Provide any preexisting knowledge of the names or uses of any of the items?
- Match the objects on the tuff tray to the relevant picture?
- Make connections with technology used at home?
Next steps
To continue to make connections with technology used at home and at school.
To use new vocabulary in everyday conversation and play.
To learn how to operate a camera and/or iPad and use them to take photos.
Make a note of any specific next steps for individual children.
