The classic tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears is an excellent way to engage young children in a range of fun and educational activities. These activities help promote literacy, mathematical concepts, creativity, and social skills, while aligning with the EYFS framework.
Below is a comprehensive list of Goldilocks and the Three Bears activities for EYFS, designed to enhance learning and exploration in early years settings.
Blossom’s Recommended Goldilocks and the Three Bears Activities for Early Years:
1. Goldilocks Story Time and Role Play
Begin by reading Goldilocks and the Three Bears with the children, using puppets or props to bring the story to life. Afterwards, encourage children to act out the story, taking turns playing the roles of Goldilocks, the bears, and other characters.
Role play builds communication skills, boosts confidence, and helps children understand the sequence of events in a story.
EYFS Areas of Learning and Development:
- Literacy (Comprehension)
- Communication and Language (Speaking)
- Expressive Arts and Design (Being Imaginative and Expressive)
2. Size Sorting Activity
Recreate the theme of size from the story by providing items of different sizes – such as bowls, chairs, and spoons – matching those in the story. Ask the children to sort the items into categories of “small,” “medium,” and “large”.
This activity helps develop early mathematical concepts such as size comparison, sorting, and categorisation.
EYFS Areas of Learning and Development:
- Mathematics (Number)
- Physical Development (Fine Motor Skills)
- Communication and Language (Speaking)
3. Porridge Making and Tasting
Let the children help make porridge, just like in the story. They can measure out the ingredients, mix the porridge, and then taste it once it’s ready. This activity introduces basic cooking skills and concepts such as measuring and following instructions.
It also provides a sensory experience, allowing children to explore texture, temperature, and taste.
EYFS Areas of Learning and Development:
- Mathematics (Number)
- Physical Development (Fine Motor Skills)
4. Goldilocks-Themed Sensory Tray
Create a sensory tray inspired by Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Include items like porridge oats, small bear figurines, bowls, and spoons. Let the children explore the textures and play out scenes from the story using the props.
This type of play supports sensory development and imaginative play, while also encouraging fine motor skill development.
EYFS Areas of Learning and Development:
- Communication and Language (Speaking)
- Physical Development (Fine Motor Skills)
5. Goldilocks Number Game
Use the story’s theme of three (three bowls, three chairs, three bears) to create a simple counting game. For example, provide sets of three items and ask the children to count them, reinforcing number recognition and early counting skills.
This could also be linked to sorting by size, using “one” for small, “two” for medium, and “three” for large.
EYFS Areas of Learning and Development:
- Mathematics (Number, Numerical Patterns)
- Communication and Language (Speaking)
- Physical Development (Fine Motor Skills)
6. Building the Bears’ House
Using building blocks, let the children design and work together to build a house for the three bears. Encourage them to think about where each room would go, including a kitchen with bowls of porridge or bedrooms for the bears.
This activity fosters problem-solving skills, spatial awareness, and teamwork.
EYFS Areas of Learning and Development:
- Expressive Arts and Design (Creating with Materials)
- Personal, Social, and Emotional Development (Building Relationships)
7. Goldilocks and the Three Bears Story Sequencing
Print out images from key moments in the story (e.g., Goldilocks finding the porridge, sitting in the chairs, lying in the beds) and ask the children to arrange them in the correct order.
This activity helps with understanding the sequence of events in a narrative and improves memory and comprehension skills.
EYFS Areas of Learning and Development:
- Literacy (Comprehension, Word Reading)
- Communication and Language (Speaking, Listening, Attention and Understanding)
8. Goldilocks-Themed Movement Activity
Create an obstacle course where children can “run away” like Goldilocks. Set up areas where they have to “jump over beds,” “sit in chairs,” or “taste porridge” (pretend items or small props).
This active play supports physical development and encourages imagination and role play.
EYFS Areas of Learning and Development:
- Physical Development (Gross Motor Skills)
- Personal, Social, and Emotional Development (Managing Self)
- Expressive Arts and Design (Being Imaginative and Expressive)
Incorporating Goldilocks and the Three Bears activities for EYFS into your early years curriculum is an excellent way to support children’s development in areas such as literacy, numeracy, and social skills.
The familiar story allows children to engage with key learning concepts, while the hands-on activities support creativity, fine motor skills, and imaginative play.
For more brilliant EYFS activities, check out our Ultimate guide to EYFS activities blog post and easily cover the seven areas of learning and development!
