We couldn’t miss the chance to join in the excitement of the Euros 2024! Football fever swept through our nurseries as we celebrated with activities designed to inspire creativity, teamwork, and a love for the game.
The children started celebrating proudly wearing their football kits or favorite team colours, showing off their budding team spirit. Whether they were sporting the England shirt, a club jersey, or something completely unique, it was wonderful to see them coming together to support the celebration.
Our creative corner of the art room turned into a hive of activity as the children decorated their own flags to wave during the Euros. With a rainbow of colours, stickers, and glitter, the children designed flags to cheer on their favorite teams. These creations were displayed around the nursery and waved proudly during our mini matches!
This activity encouraged the children to express themselves creatively while promoting their fine motor skills and coordination – key areas of development within the EYFS.
Outdoors, we channeled our inner football stars with games of football in the garden. The children practiced their dribbling, passing, and scoring skills while learning the importance of teamwork and fair play. Whether they were kicking their first ball or showing off their practiced moves, everyone had fun getting active and enjoying the game.
For our youngest footballers, simply chasing the ball and joining in with friends was a wonderful way to support their physical development and social skills.
Our football-themed tuff trays were another highlight of the celebrations. From mini football fields with sensory rice grass to small-world football figurines, the trays sparked imaginative play and storytelling. These setups encouraged the children to use their language skills as they described their “games,” shared ideas, and took on roles as players, referees, and fans.
Throughout the week, we also used the Euros as an opportunity to introduce new vocabulary, like “goal,” “pass,” “team,” and “tournament.” The children learned about the importance of working together and supporting each other, values that are at the heart of both football and personal, social, and emotional development within the EYFS.
Euros 2024 celebrations were a fantastic celebration of fun, fitness, and creativity. Through dressing up, playing football, and exploring themed activities, the children embraced the joy of the game and learned valuable lessons about teamwork and inclusion.
We’re so proud of the enthusiasm and sportsmanship our little ones showed throughout. Whether they were cheering on their friends, waving their handmade flags, or scoring their first goals, they demonstrated the true spirit of the Euros – bringing people together through sport.
