Foundations for Design & Technology in EYFS
FOUNDATIONS FOR DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY IN EYFS
During the Early Years Foundation Stage, the essential building blocks of children’s design and technology capability are established. In our EYFS there are many opportunities for carrying out D&T related activities. Specifically, ‘Designing and Making’ is identified as a strand within Knowledge and Understanding of the World.
By the end of the EYFS, most children should be able to:
- Construct with a purpose in mind, using a variety of resources
- Use simple tools and techniques competently and appropriately
- Build and construct with a wide range of objects, selecting appropriate resources and adapting their work when necessary
- Select the tools and techniques they need to shape, assemble and join materials they are using.
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Mechanism |
Food |
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· Scissors – cutting and snipping · Cutting and sticking · Writing / area creative area |
· Snack table · Focus task – fruit smoothies · Pancakes · Baking home learning · Fruit kebabs
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Textiles |
Structures |
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Early needle skills – fine motor skills · Threading – beads / necklaces / · Different types of materials
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· Construction · Block play · Junk modelling – 2d/3d · Den making outside – pegs/fabric
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Design and making |
Tools |
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· Design – talk
· Constantly making
Making a smoothie – Nursery designed their own smoothie
Spring / summer Design and plan before creating then they reflect /evaluate designs and creations |
· Scissors · Hole punch · Pencil/pens/crayons · Paint · Natural materials · Playdough tools – cutters/rolling pin etc · Using different media · Knives · Pegs
· Woodwork bench – hammers / screwdrivers · Knives and fork |
In Nursery, the children use various construction materials. They begin to construct, stacking blocks vertically and horizontally, making enclosures and creating spaces. Pupils also begin to use one handed tools and equipment e.g. rolling pin, and begin to realise that tools can be used for a purpose. As they progress through the year, they use one handed tools and equipment with increasing confidence e.g. snip at paper using scissors.
In Reception, skills with one handed tools and equipment are developed further. Pupils now construct with a purpose in mind, handling tools, objects, construction and malleable materials safely and with increasing control. They select tools and techniques needed to shape, assemble and join materials they are using to create new effects. They also learn to adapt work where necessary. Towards the end of the year, they begin to show good control and coordination in large and small movements, handling equipment and tools effectively, including pencils for writing. Pupils safely use and explore a variety of materials, tools and techniques, experimenting with colour, design, texture, form and function, representing their own ideas, thoughts and feelings through design and technology. These skills are built on in Year 1, Mechanisms – Sliders and Levers (London Scene) and cooking nutrition – healthy snacks
