EYFS Geography Lesson – Is This a City?

This Reception geography lesson helps children recognise the difference between cities and rural environments. Using photographs, maps and role play, pupils learn to spot features of a city such as busy streets, tall buildings and train stations, and compare them with countryside features like fields, meadows and villages.

Through guided activities, sorting tasks and small world play, children practise new geographical vocabulary, make simple observations and begin to compare contrasting environments. They also discuss what people do in cities and rural areas, from working and shopping to farming and exploring nature.

Included in this lesson pack:

• Editable EYFS geography PowerPoint with city and countryside images
• Photopack for sorting city and rural features
• Teacher guidance with key questions, misconceptions and vocabulary
• Differentiated sorting activities with challenge extensions
• Continuous provision ideas for building cities and villages with construction and collage

This lesson supports EYFS outcomes such as recognising different environments, using new vocabulary, and articulating ideas in full sentences. It also links to literacy, maths and art by comparing stories, counting features and creating cityscapes.

Part of our EYFS Geography Block 3: What Can We Explore? unit – Highly Commended by the Geographical Association.