Mountains are majestic. Children immediately recognise their beauty as they rise from the landscape. Children may be interested in a mountain or hill within their own community or a notable landmark like Mount Everest.
Extend the learning to include volcanos.
The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) encourages children to connect with places (4.4) and show respect for the environment (2.4).
Learning experiences
Mould a mountain range out of clay
Set aside a table so children can build their own mountain range as a group. You will need a slab of clay and some water. Children can work together, moulding the clay with their wet hands to form the shape of mountains.
Clay is an excellent material for making mountains. It is heavy and earthy.
Paint mountains with watercolours
Observe a mountain or mountain range, either in real life or through a photograph. Discuss the colours and textures of the mountain before attempting to paint a picture of it.
Watercolours are a wonderful medium for painting mountains. Children can layer the paint to create dark shadows. Once the paint is completely dry, they can add texture with oil pastels or felt tip pens.
Explore mountains from above
Show children maps and or satellite images that feature mountains. This will help them understand the concept of elevation and how high land is represented on flat charts.
Pretend to be mountain climbers
Set up a safe and age-appropriate obstacle course that requires children to climb or scale ledges. For babies and toddlers, this could be a large number of pillows stuffed under a blanket. Older children can climb on ladders and beams. Pretend to be mountain climbers!
Music
Super Simple Songs: The bear went over the mountain