Our Reception scheme of work on “Animals and Their Habitats” is carefully designed to align with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework, ensuring that it not only engages young learners but also supports the key developmental goals of the EYFS. The scheme is structured around the principle areas of learning within the EYFS Framework, providing a rich and balanced learning experience for pupils as they explore animals and their habitats.

Understanding the World

One of the core areas of learning in the EYFS Framework is “Understanding the World,” and our scheme directly addresses this by encouraging children to explore and understand the natural world. Through this topic, children will learn about the diverse habitats where animals live, from forests and grasslands to oceans and deserts. They will begin to understand the concept of living things, how animals survive in their environments, and how different habitats support the needs of specific species. By exploring topics such as animal diets, adaptations, and environmental factors like weather and seasons, children will develop a sense of how the world works.

Interactive activities such as habitat sorting, matching animals to their homes, and investigating the materials animals need to survive in their habitats help children gain a deeper understanding of the world around them. These hands-on experiences support the “Exploration and Investigation” aspect of the “Understanding the World” area, helping children develop a natural curiosity and interest in the world around them.

Communication and Language

The scheme of work also supports the development of “Communication and Language” skills by encouraging children to discuss their ideas, ask questions, and use new vocabulary. Learning about animals and their habitats provides ample opportunities for rich conversation, as children are encouraged to talk about what they have learned, express their thoughts, and listen to others. This is especially evident in activities such as group discussions, where children may share their ideas about where animals live or what they need to survive.

As they engage in stories, songs, and role-play, children will also develop their vocabulary related to animals, habitats, and environmental features. They will learn terms such as ‘habitat,’ ‘adaptation,’ ‘shelter,’ and ‘survival,’ expanding their language skills while deepening their understanding of the subject matter.

Physical Development

While the scheme is focused on science content, it also supports the “Physical Development” area of the EYFS Framework. Through activities such as role-play and outdoor explorations, children may act out animal movements (e.g., hopping like a rabbit or slithering like a snake), helping them develop their physical coordination and gross motor skills. These active, kinaesthetic learning experiences are particularly beneficial for young learners as they enhance physical development through fun and imaginative play.

Personal, Social, and Emotional Development

Learning about animals and their habitats can also contribute to children’s “Personal, Social, and Emotional Development (PSED).” As they explore animals and their environments, children are encouraged to consider how animals are dependent on their habitats for survival, helping to develop empathy and respect for living creatures. This understanding can lead to discussions about the importance of caring for animals and their environments, fostering a sense of responsibility and respect for nature.

Additionally, group activities such as collaborative projects or discussing animals in pairs or small groups help children build their social skills, such as sharing, listening, and working as part of a team. The scheme promotes emotional development by encouraging children to make connections between their own lives and the lives of animals, fostering emotional awareness and the ability to express feelings.

Literacy

The “Literacy” aspect of the EYFS Framework is also addressed in the scheme through storytelling, writing, and reading activities. Children are encouraged to read books and stories about animals and their habitats, developing early literacy skills such as comprehension, storytelling, and the ability to sequence events. Through drawing, labelling, and writing tasks, children can record their observations and ideas about animals, supporting the development of early writing skills. The scheme also includes opportunities for rhymes and songs related to animals, which helps develop phonological awareness, a crucial part of early literacy development.

Mathematics

Although the focus is on science, the scheme also subtly supports “Mathematics” through activities that involve sorting and classifying animals, counting animals in different habitats, and exploring the size and shape of animals. By categorising animals based on their habitats or characteristics, children develop early mathematical thinking, such as understanding classification, patterns, and number recognition.

Our Reception scheme of work on “Animals and Their Habitats” is more than just a science unit; it is a holistic learning experience that supports multiple areas of the EYFS Framework. By engaging children in enquiry-based learning about animals and their environments, the scheme nurtures critical thinking, enhances communication skills, and fosters a love for the natural world, all while meeting key developmental goals in a fun and age-appropriate way.