Red Nose Day Learning Experiences for Early Learners

Red Nose Day is associated with Red Nose (formerly known as SIDS and Kids), an organisation dedicated to saving the lives of babies and children during pregnancy, birth, infancy, and childhood and supporting bereaved families. Red Nose Day is not merely about sporting a playful red nose; it embodies a deep commitment to fostering empathy, kindness, and community support among our youngest.

This special day provides a platform to engage children under 5 in activities that celebrate the spirit of giving, while closely aligning with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). The EYLF champions play-based learning alongside the development of robust social, emotional, and cognitive skills. Below, we explore 5 Red Nose Day activities, linking each to specific EYLF principles and practices, to ensure a day of profound and meaningful learning experiences. These ideas serve as guides for parents and Early Childhood Educators and are sure to make Red Nose Day Memorable for Children Under 5 years old.

Crafting Personalised Red Noses

Engaging children in the creation of red noses from eco-friendly materials offers them a hands-on opportunity to explore their creativity and enhance fine motor skills. This activity also serves as a gentle introduction to the concepts of caring, helping others, and the significance of Red Nose Day, making these ideas accessible and relatable to young minds.

EYLF Connection: Learning Outcome 4 – Children are confident and involved learners.
This crafting experience supports the EYLF by fostering children’s involvement in their learning through active exploration and creativity. It emphasises the development of children’s abilities to contribute to their world in meaningful ways, aligning with the framework’s goal of nurturing involved and confident learners.

Red Nose Day Themed Story Time

Selecting stories that underscore kindness, empathy, and the power of helping others can profoundly affect children’s emotional and social development. Story time becomes a gateway for children to navigate their feelings and those of others, deepening their understanding of these complex concepts in a nurturing environment.

EYLF Connection: Learning Outcome 1 – Children have a strong sense of identity.
Through stories related to Red Nose Day, children explore and relate to various emotions, fostering a strong sense of identity and belonging. This experience aligns with the EYLF by supporting children’s emotional and social development, crucial for building their sense of self and empathy for others.

Red Nose Relay Race

A relay race where children pass a red nose baton combines physical activity with the joy of teamwork. This fun and dynamic experience not only promotes physical health but also introduces the concept of cooperative effort towards achieving a shared goal. This idea is appropriate for children of at least kindergarten age.

EYLF Connection: Learning Outcome 3 – Children have a strong sense of wellbeing.
The relay race emphasises the EYLF’s focus on children’s wellbeing through active participation, highlighting the importance of physical health and social education in early childhood. It teaches children the value of collaboration and physical activity in a playful and engaging manner.

Classroom Post Office

Creating a classroom post office where children can write and send messages of kindness or promises of donations on paper red noses introduces them to literacy and numeracy in a practical and engaging context. This activity allows children to explore written communication and understand the practical applications of numbers, enhancing their literacy and numeracy skills.

EYLF Connection: Learning Outcome 5 – Children are effective communicators.
This classroom post office experience facilitates the development of effective communication skills, aligning with the EYLF’s objective of enhancing children’s ability to express themselves through various forms of communication. It underscores the importance of literacy and numeracy in children’s understanding of the world and their ability to contribute meaningfully to society.

Creating a Red Nose Day Mural

Working together to create a mural dedicated to Red Nose Day gives children a platform for self-expression and collaboration. This collective art project allows them to visually communicate their thoughts on kindness and community support, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

EYLF Connection: Learning Outcome 2 – Children are connected with and contribute to their world.
The mural creation process is a direct embodiment of the EYLF’s aim to connect children with their community and the broader world. It encourages them to recognise their role within these contexts and the importance of collective effort towards a common goal, fostering a sense of connection and contribution.

Through these activities, Red Nose Day becomes a catalyst for embedding the principles and practices of the EYLF into a day filled with enjoyment, learning, and the essence of giving. At Choklits Child Care, our dedication to integrating these values into our curriculum reflects our commitment to providing a high-quality early childhood education that prepares compassionate, socially responsible individuals for the future.

Written by Matt Reynolds