EYLF Activity Ideas for Every Age Group: Babies to Pre-K

Age-Appropriate EYLF Activities

Planning activities that match children's developmental stages is essential for effective early childhood education. This guide provides activity ideas organised by age group, all aligned with EYLF V2.0 outcomes.

Babies (0-12 months)

Sensory Exploration Activities

Treasure Basket Discovery

• Fill a low basket with safe household objects (wooden spoon, fabric scraps, metal measuring cups)
• Let babies explore textures, sounds, and weights
• *EYLF Outcomes: 3 (Wellbeing), 4 (Learning)*

Texture Wall

• Attach different textured materials to a board at baby height
• Include soft fur, bumpy bubble wrap, smooth foil, rough sandpaper
• *EYLF Outcomes: 4 (Learning), 5 (Communication)*

Mirror Play

• Use unbreakable mirrors at floor level
• Babies develop self-awareness and social skills
• *EYLF Outcomes: 1 (Identity), 5 (Communication)*

Toddlers (1-2 years)

Active Learning Activities

Posting Games

• Create posting boxes with different shaped holes
• Use large wooden shapes or balls
• *EYLF Outcomes: 4 (Learning) - problem-solving*

Water Play Station

• Provide cups, funnels, and containers
• Add floating and sinking objects
• *EYLF Outcomes: 4 (Learning), 3 (Wellbeing)*

Simple Obstacle Course

• Use cushions, tunnels, and low steps
• Develop gross motor skills and confidence
• *EYLF Outcomes: 3 (Wellbeing), 1 (Identity)*

Nature Walk Collection

• Take baskets on outdoor walks
• Collect leaves, sticks, and seed pods
• *EYLF Outcomes: 2 (Community), 4 (Learning)*

Two-Year-Olds (2-3 years)

Creative Expression Activities

Playdough Station

• Provide homemade playdough with tools
• Add natural materials like leaves and sticks
• *EYLF Outcomes: 4 (Learning), 5 (Communication)*

Painting Exploration

• Offer various painting tools (brushes, sponges, rollers)
• Focus on process, not product
• *EYLF Outcomes: 5 (Communication), 1 (Identity)*

Dramatic Play Corner

• Set up home corner with real items
• Include culturally diverse materials
• *EYLF Outcomes: 1 (Identity), 2 (Community)*

Preschoolers (3-4 years)

Inquiry-Based Activities

Science Experiments

• Simple experiments like colour mixing, sink/float
• Encourage predictions and observations
• *EYLF Outcomes: 4 (Learning), 5 (Communication)*

Story Retelling

• Use props and puppets to retell favourite stories
• Develop literacy and creativity
• *EYLF Outcomes: 5 (Communication), 4 (Learning)*

Construction Challenges

• Provide open-ended building materials
• Set challenges like "build a bridge for the car"
• *EYLF Outcomes: 4 (Learning), 2 (Community)*

Gardening Project

• Plant seeds and observe growth
• Discuss responsibility and nature
• *EYLF Outcomes: 2 (Community), 4 (Learning)*

Pre-Kindergarten (4-5 years)

School-Readiness Activities

Letter Hunts

• Find letters in the environment
• Match letters to names
• *EYLF Outcomes: 5 (Communication), 4 (Learning)*

Counting Games

• Use real objects for counting
• Include number recognition
• *EYLF Outcomes: 4 (Learning), 5 (Communication)*

Group Projects

• Collaborative art or construction
• Develop teamwork and communication
• *EYLF Outcomes: 2 (Community), 1 (Identity)*

Self-Portrait Art

• Explore identity through art
• Discuss similarities and differences
• *EYLF Outcomes: 1 (Identity), 5 (Communication)*

Planning Tips

1. **Observe first** - Plan activities based on children's interests
2. **Cover all outcomes** - Ensure balance across the five EYLF outcomes
3. **Allow flexibility** - Be ready to extend or adapt activities
4. **Document learning** - Capture photos and observations

Save Hours of Planning

ECT Planner generates age-appropriate, EYLF-aligned activities based on your children's interests. Simply enter your observations, and get a complete weekly program in minutes.

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