Exploring Sizes

Overview

Unit: Goldilocks’ Learning Adventure (Lesson 2 of 6)
Duration: 30 minutes
Class Size: 36 Reception students (ages 4-5)
Subject: Other (Cross-curricular focus: Understanding Size)
Curriculum Link:
- Reception Mathematics – Understanding the World - Shape, Space and Measures
- Development Matters (DfE 2021):
  - Use positional language and size-related vocabulary.
  - Compare sizes and identify objects as big, medium, and small.
- Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) (2021)
  - Maths: Show an awareness of size, and use mathematical language to compare and sort objects.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the session, students will:

Recognise and use size-related vocabulary: big, medium, small.
Compare and categorise classroom objects using appropriate size terms.
Make connections between objects in the classroom and those in the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears (chairs, beds, bowls).
Develop language skills through discussion and collaborative play.

Resources

Storybook: Goldilocks and the Three Bears (short extract or picture book)
Visual aids: Pictures of the Three Bears’ chairs, beds, and bowls labeled big, medium, and small
Sets of classroom objects in three size categories (e.g., toy animals, blocks, pencils)
Three hoops or mats labelled BIG, MEDIUM, SMALL arranged on the floor
Whiteboard and markers or flip chart for vocabulary and drawing
Sticky labels or size word cards (big, medium, small)

Lesson Structure

1. Introduction and Engagement (5 minutes)

Gather students on the carpet, show pictures from the Goldilocks story focusing on the bears’ furniture and bowls.
Ask: “Can you see the difference between these chairs? Which one is big? Which one is small?”
Introduce the vocabulary words: big, medium, small. Write them visibly on the board.
Recap the story briefly to remind them of Goldilocks’ adventure relating to sizes.

Curriculum Link: Communication and Language - Understanding and Speaking; Mathematics - Using positional and size language.

2. Core Activity: Hands-on Size Sorting (15 minutes)

Divide class into six groups of six children. Each group will move through a carousel of three activities lasting 5 minutes each (adapted to ensure participation):

Activity A: Finding Objects by Size

Groups explore a selection of classroom objects and pick out items they think are big, medium, or small.
Encourage discussion: “Why do you think this object is big?”

Activity B: Size Sorting with Hoops

Students bring chosen objects to the labelled hoops (Big, Medium, Small) and place them in the correct hoop.
Teacher prompts: “Let’s see if your object fits the big group.”

Activity C: Story-Based Matching

Each group receives laminated pictures of the Three Bears’ chairs, beds, and bowls in big, medium, and small sizes.
Children match their sorted objects to these pictures, discussing similarities.

Curriculum Link: Mathematics - Comparison, Sorting, and Language development; Personal, Social and Emotional Development - Turn taking and teamwork.

3. Plenary and Assessment (7 minutes)

Bring the class back to the carpet.
Invite several children to share one object they sorted and explain which group it belongs to and why.
Ask reflective questions: “Can anyone find something in the classroom that is big like the Papa Bear’s chair?”
Sing a short size-related song or rhyme (e.g., “Big and Small, One and All”).
Use thumbs up/thumbs down to informally assess understanding.

Assessment:

Teacher observes the correct use of size vocabulary and the ability to categorise correctly.
Listen for oral explanations linking objects to the story and the vocabulary used.

Differentiation

Support: Provide extra adult support during sorting for children who need help with vocabulary or categorisation. Use visual cues and gestures for EAL learners or children with speech difficulties.
Extension: Challenge more able learners to find objects that don’t fit neatly into categories (e.g., objects that seem between medium and big) and discuss ‘in-between’ sizes. Introduce comparative language (bigger than, smaller than).

Cross-Curricular Links

Literacy: New vocabulary associated with size and story talk.
Personal, Social and Emotional: Sharing and turn-taking during group tasks.
Physical Development: Handling and moving objects safely during sorting.

Reflection Notes for Teachers

Observe engagement levels during carousel activities and encourage quieter children to participate.
Adjust group sizes or time per activity depending on class dynamics.
Use real-life classroom items to make learning tangible and meaningful.
This lesson sets a foundation for understanding measurement and comparison used later in the Mathematics curriculum.

By integrating storytelling with hands-on sorting and speaking activities, students in Reception will develop foundational maths vocabulary and concepts aligned with the National Curriculum and EYFS standards, preparing them for future learning stages with a joyful, memorable experience.

Teaching Instructions