Dive deep into EYLF Outcomes under the sea

Let’s delve to the depths of the ocean and explore how the captivating drama incursion of Under the Sea meets the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) Outcomes.

This underwater immersive experience supports children’s holistic learning and development, supporting cooperative and collaborative experiences which aims to lay the groundwork for environmentally responsible learners.

Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity 

The Under the Sea workshop focuses on creating a wonderfully imaginative, creatively powered, child-centered drama experience for young children. The immersive workshop encourages children to explore new ways of expressing themselves and unlock parts of their personalities, strengths and abilities they might not have known were there.

A child performing as an octopus might have just uncovered an unknown comedic power, of making their peers laugh hysterically, as they squirt out ink whilst making a “fart-like” sound. The ability to make their peers laugh builds confidence and strengthens social connections. We aim to create a safe space where children can explore and express different facets of their personalities through role play, performance and drama. We encourage children to delve into various emotions and imagine the feelings experienced by different sea inhabitants in various situations, supporting the development of empathy and emotional intelligence. As children begin to navigate the depths of sea life, they learn to respond to nonverbal cues and understand how body language conveys emotions.

For instance, a fish curled up and covering their eyes might depict fear as they evade the sharks; or sharks might slump over and retreat slowly after eating rubbish, showing distress and sadness. Shared and joyful experiences are the building blocks of friendships. As children laugh about the parrot fish eating and pooing out sand, or the seaweed tickling their feet, they can begin to create these lasting shared memories, strengthening relationships.

Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their wider world 

The Under the Sea workshop aims to instill a sense of environmentalism in children, fostering their connection with and contribution to the wider world. We aim to nurture an appreciation of life beneath the waves, as we take a deep dive into the delicate ecosystem that makes up our oceans.

The workshop aims to educate children about human impact on our sea creatures, and how we can begin to take ownership over our own actions to become responsible environmental citizens. Children begin to recognize the importance of sustainable practices as they role play the consequences of pollution, such as plastic twisting and becoming tangled in jellyfish tentacles or making sea creatures sick.

The workshop serves as a platform to encourage children to express their ideas and matters affecting them, particularly associated with sustainable practices. By opening this discussion, we are empowering children to voice their ideas and laying the groundwork for meaningful sustainable initiatives within their school, homelife and community.

Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing 

During the workshop, children will participate in engaging drama experiences which contribute positively to children’s holistic wellbeing, including their physical, emotional and social wellbeing.

The Under the Sea workshop promotes healthy movement and the development of gross motor skills, whether they are wobbling and blobbing through the water like jellyfish or swaying and twirling like seaweed. Through hands-on experiences, the children can learn about the different physical characteristics of sea life and how they affect their movement.

For instance, comparing the different movement from jellyfish to our own movements, as jellyfish don’t have any bones. The workshop also supports the development of children’s emotional and social well-being, nurturing independence and self-help skills. The children’s autonomy is supported as they gain confidence to put on and take off different costumes. This sense of empowerment contributes to their overall sense of wellbeing. This immersive experience facilitates connections between sensory, physical and motor systems that stimulates curiosity and engages their senses.

The vibrant textures and purposeful costumes, combined with the dynamic physical movements, are designed to ignite a sense of wonder and discovery in young learners.

Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners 

The Under the Sea drama workshop serves as a dynamic platform for nurturing confident and involved learners, where children are encouraged to embrace their curiosities, explore new ideas and express themselves.

Our drama workshops aim to provide a nurturing and safe environment where children feel empowered to explore, experiment and step outside their comfort zones. The experience aims to promote active participation in the learning process, allowing children to take center stage in their own educational journey. Through a hands-on approach, that ensures child-centered learning is at the forefront, we encourage each child to express themselves in their own unique way.

As drama teachers, we celebrate each child’s unique and creative way of role-playing different sea creatures, and witnessing their imagination come to life. We encourage children to take an investigative approach to learning about marine life. Through a scientific lens, we empower children’s critical thinking skills, especially when exploring the impact of rubbish pollution on our marine eco system.

Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators 

Drama serves as a powerful tool for children to express themselves, offering a full-body communication experience. This is particularly beneficial for young learners who are still developing their word bank and verbal language and can use drama to explore how body language serves as a powerful means of communication.

Our workshop seamlessly integrates literacy development, as we take a storytelling approach into exploring the effect of pollution on our oceans. Through music, movement, dance and drama, children are engaging with a range of communication modes, fostering literacy skills and capabilities in a dynamic and immersive environment. All children can express themselves in a way that resonates with their unique learning style, as we utilise these diverse modes of communication in our lessons.

Drama also encourages literacy development through active listening and viewing, as children attentively observe their peers’ performances. Active listening and a strong foundation of oral language are fundamental to ongoing literacy learning, and our workshop provides many opportunities for children to develop these skills.

In conclusion, the Under the Sea workshop provides children with a hands-on and vibrant approach to learning, which seamlessly embeds the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) outcomes.

Children are invited to explore the depths of their personalities and forge lasting friendship bonds, as they navigate the underwater world. The workshop encourages environmental responsibility, instilling a connection with the wider world. We aim to empower children to be confident and involved learners and embark on a journey of exploration and discovery, fueled by their own curiosities and imagination.

Through drama, children become effective communicators as they understand the complexities of the marine ecosystem. Under the Sea offers an immersive, child-centered, magical and joyful approach to learning where the possibilities are endless 🐠.

Bella Greening, Drama Teacher