Future Dreams Create

Overview

A creative and engaging 60-minute session inviting Reception children to explore their aspirations through storytelling and art. This lesson supports Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Expressive Arts and Design, and Communication and Language as outlined in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Development Matters, part of the National Curriculum framework for England.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the session, children will:

• Express ideas about their future ambitions using spoken language (Communication and Language – ELG: Speaking)
• Recognise and describe different roles in society and community helpers (Understanding the World – ELG: People and Communities)
• Develop fine motor skills and creativity through mixed media self-portraits (Expressive Arts and Design – ELG: Creating with Materials)
• Build confidence sharing personal ideas in a group setting (Personal, Social and Emotional Development – ELG: Managing Self, Building Relationships)

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Curriculum Links

• Communication and Language — Expressive Language: Children express ideas effectively in dialogue and storytelling (ELG: Speaking)
• Understanding the World — People and Communities: Children recognise and talk about different occupations and roles (ELG)
• Expressive Arts and Design — Creating with Materials: Use of a variety of materials and techniques to create art (ELG)
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development — Self-confidence and Self-awareness: Children talk about making choices and expressing preferences (ELG)

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Resources

• Age-appropriate video story on careers for Reception (approx. 10 minutes)
• Whiteboard or flipchart and pens
• Plain A4 paper for portraits
• Crayons, coloured pencils, paints, paintbrushes
• Pre-cut magazine images of various professions and objects (e.g., doctor’s kit, firefighter’s helmet, ballerina shoes)
• Glue sticks and child-safe scissors
• Aprons or protective clothing for painting
• Camera/tablet to capture completed artworks (optional)

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction & Warm-up (10 minutes)

• Welcome children and gather in a circle.
• Begin with a brief, lively discussion: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Encourage children to name any jobs or roles they know. Write some examples on the board/flipchart.
• Link this to the community roles they see around them (teachers, doctors, shopkeepers, artists).

2. Video Story (10 minutes)

• Show an engaging, age-appropriate story video featuring different professions and children imagining their future careers (duration about 8–10 mins).
• After watching, ask open questions: “Which jobs did you see?” “What did you like?” “What would you like to do when you grow up?”
• Encourage a few children to share their thoughts briefly, modelling full sentences and new vocabulary.

3. Discussion and Planning (5 minutes)

• Invite children to think about their chosen future career again.
• Ask each child to say their chosen job aloud and describe one symbol or object connected to it (for example, a stethoscope for a doctor). Write down keywords or draw quick images on the board to help memory.

4. Art Activity: Self-Portraits with Symbols (30 minutes)

• Distribute plain paper and art materials. Explain they will create a self-portrait that shows who they want to be in the future.
• Encourage children to:
  • Draw themselves
  • Add symbols or objects representing their chosen career using crayons, paint, and collage (from magazine cut-outs)
• Support fine motor skills by demonstrating techniques (cutting, gluing) and providing help as needed.
• Play soft, inspirational background music to nurture creativity and calm focus.
• Circulate and engage with children individually, prompting discussion about their choices.

5. Sharing and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Time permitting, gather children to share their artwork with the class.
• Encourage positive, descriptive feedback: “I like how you used the red fire hat!” or “Tell me about your painting.”
• Recap vocabulary from the lesson and affirm the value of all dreams.

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Assessment

• Formative Assessment: Observe children’s participation in discussions using oral language to describe ambitions and symbols related to careers (ELG: Speaking).
• Practical Assessment: Evaluate engagement and creativity during the art activity through the inclusion of self-portrait and relevant career-related objects (ELG: Creating with Materials).
• Record observations in learning journals noting children’s ability to communicate their career aspirations and collaborate during the art activity.

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Differentiation

• For children with fine motor challenges, provide pre-cut shapes of symbols or assist with gluing.
• Offer sentence starters or prompts for children who need support in verbalising ideas.
• Encourage more able children to add extra detail or write a simple label for their portrait.

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Extension Ideas

• Create a “Future Careers” classroom display of children’s artwork with captions.
• Arrange a visit or video call from a community helper (e.g., firefighter, nurse) to inspire and connect learning with real-life experience.

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Reflection for Teacher

• Were all children engaged and confident to share?
• Did the video story effectively prompt discussion and imagination about jobs?
• How did children respond to the mixed media art task? Was there sufficient support and challenge?
• Consider feedback for improving pacing or resources for future sessions.

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This lesson plan blends storytelling, discussion, and creative expression to nurture early understanding of careers while promoting communication and artistic skills in line with the National Curriculum for Reception children.