World Sight Day-Free activity ideas and learning story pack!
Updated: Oct 9, 2023
World Sight Day is an important day in the eye health calendar. It is an annual awareness day that is observed on the second Thursday of October every year. World Sight Day aims to focus global attention on blindness, vision impairment and eye care. The Theme for 2023 is "Love Your Eyes at Work"
Introducing young children to the concept of eye health from an early age can set the foundation for lifelong awareness and self-care practices. Children are naturally curious and open to learning, making it a prime opportunity to instil good habits.
We have a collection of experiences you can use with children birth- 8 years and have also included a free learning story pack to document the learning.
Birth-2years (EYLF) Peekaboo with Colours
Materials: Colourful scarves or pieces of fabric Instructions: Hide behind a colourful scarf and play peekaboo with the child. Gradually introduce new colours and ask the child to identify them. Link to EYLF: 1.3 Children develop knowledgeable, confident self-identities and a positive sense of self-worth ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Children practice focusing their eyes and learn to differentiate colours. Link to Early Childhood Theorist: Jean Piaget's Sensorimotor Stage – exploring through senses. Extension Activities:
Colour Sort: Sort objects by colour (1.3)
Flashcards: Use coloured flashcards for identification (1.3)
Painting: Let them paint a rainbow and identify the colours used (1.3)
Follow the Light
Materials: Small flashlight Instructions: Dim the lights and move a flashlight slowly in various directions for the child to visually track. Link to EYLF: 3.2 Children become strong in their physical learning and wellbeing ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Enhances visual tracking skills and focus. Link to Early Childhood Theorist: Maria Montessori – using sensory activities for learning. Extension Activities:
Laser Pointer Tracking: Use a laser pointer to move on a wall for the child to track (3.2)
Dance with Light: Add music and move the flashlight to the rhythm (3.2)
Day & Night: Discuss why we need light to see and introduce concepts of day and night (3.2)
Bubble Pop
Materials: Bubbles and a bubble wand Instructions: Blow bubbles and encourage the child to reach out and pop them. Link to EYLF: 1.1 Children feel safe, secure and supported ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Develops hand-eye coordination. Link to Early Childhood Theorist: Erik Erikson's Trust vs. Mistrust – promoting interaction and trust. Extension Activities:
Name the Bubble: Give names to bubbles and ask the child to pop a specific one (1.1)
Bubble Dance: Play music and encourage dancing while popping bubbles (1.1)
Bubble Painting: Allow the child to pop bubbles onto paper to create art (1.1)
Eye Spy Bottle
Materials: Small transparent bottle, rice, and small colourful objects Instructions: Fill a small bottle with rice and colourful objects. Shake and ask the child to spot different items. Link to EYLF: 4.2 Children develop a range of learning and thinking skills and processes such as problem solving, inquiry, experimentation, hypothesising, researching and investigating ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Enhances visual discrimination and vocabulary. Link to Early Childhood Theorist: Vygotsky’s Social Development Theory – learning through social interaction. Extension Activities:
Themed Bottles: Create different themed bottles like ocean, forest, etc. (4.2)
Story Time: Make up stories involving the items in the bottle (4.2)
Treasure Hunt: Take items from the bottle and hide them, then go on a treasure hunt (4.2)
Texture Boards
Materials: Various textures like sandpaper, cotton, silk Instructions: Let the child touch and feel various textures, then help them visually identify which texture is which. Link to EYLF: 2.1 Children develop a sense of connectedness to groups and communities and an understanding of their reciprocal rights and responsibilities as active and informed citizens ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Develops tactile and visual senses. Link to Early Childhood Theorist: John Bowlby – attachment theory, through tactile interaction. Extension Activities:
Material Hunt: Go on a material hunt around the room or outside (2.1)
Texture Book: Create a book with different textures (2.1)
Discuss Sensations: Talk about how each texture feels (2.1)
Matching Game
Materials: Pairs of matching pictures or cards Instructions: Place cards face down and help the child turn them over to make matches. Link to EYLF: 4.1 Children develop a growth mindset and learning dispositions such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflexivity ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Enhances memory and visual recognition skills. Link to Early Childhood Theorist: Jerome Bruner's Constructivist Theory – learning through discovery. Extension Activities:
Memory Game: Turn it into a memory game by taking turns (4.1)
Storytelling: Use the pictures for storytelling (4.1)
Categorise: Group pictures by type (animals, fruits, etc.) (4.1)
Mirror Fun
Materials: Handheld mirror Instructions: Let the child look at their reflection and make faces. Discuss the different parts of the face. Link to EYLF: 1.3 Children develop knowledgeable, confident self-identities and a positive sense of self-worth ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Promotes self-recognition and facial feature identification. Link to Early Childhood Theorist: Carl Rogers – self-concept, understanding oneself. Extension Activities:
Family Faces: Show pictures of family and discuss similarities (1.3)
Mood Faces: Make faces that show different moods (1.3)
Drawing: Draw faces on paper and identify features (1.3)
Soft Toy Eye Doctor
Materials: Soft toys, toy doctor set Instructions: Pretend that the soft toys have eye appointments and discuss what happens at the eye doctor. Link to EYLF: 3.3 Children are aware of and develop strategies to support their own mental and physical health and personal safety ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Introduces the concept of healthcare and routine eye checks. Link to Early Childhood Theorist: Erik Erikson's Initiative vs Guilt – exploring roles. Extension Activities:
Real Doctor Visit: Discuss an upcoming or past visit to an eye doctor (3.3)
Role Switch: Let the child be the doctor (3.3)
Tool Identification: Discuss the tools a doctor uses (3.3)
Animal Eyes
Materials: Pictures of animals and their eyes Instructions: Show the child pictures of different animals, focusing on the eyes. Discuss how each one is unique. Link to EYLF: 2.2 Children respond to diversity with respect ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Introduces biodiversity and the function of eyes in various animals. Link to Early Childhood Theorist: Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligences – Naturalist intelligence. Extension Activities:
Zoo Trip: Visit a zoo to observe animals' eyes up close (2.2)
Animal Sounds: Mimic the sounds of animals they've learned (2.2)
Animal Art: Create art or masks based on the animals discussed (2.2)
Shadow Puppets
Materials: Flashlight, your own hands or paper cut-outs Instructions: Create shadow puppets on a wall. Discuss how the eyes see the shapes and how light and dark affect visibility. Link to EYLF: 5.3 Children express ideas and make meaning using a range of media ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Explores the concept of light and shadow in visual perception. Link to Early Childhood Theorist: Jean Piaget’s Preoperational Stage – beginning of symbolic thinking. Extension Activities:
Different Shapes: Use different objects to create various shadow shapes (5.3)
Story Time: Create a story using the shadow puppets (5.3)
Day & Night: Discuss the difference between daytime and nighttime visibility (5.3)
Download your FREE learning Story pack here to document your learning..
2-5 Years (EYLF)
I Spy Game
Materials: Various objects around the room Instructions: Play the "I Spy" game by describing an object and asking the child to identify it. Link to EYLF: 5.1 Children interact verbally and non-verbally with others for a range of purposes ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Enhances vocabulary, listening skills, and visual identification. Link to Early Childhood Theorist: Vygotsky’s Social Development Theory – learning through social interaction and language. Extension Activities:
Themed I Spy: Play the game with a specific theme like fruits or animals (5.1)
Picture I Spy: Use pictures instead of real objects for the game (5.1)
Outdoor I Spy: Take the game outdoors and use nature as your playground (5.1)
Safety Goggles Painting
Materials: Non-toxic paint, paper, safety goggles Instructions: Have the child wear safety goggles while finger painting to discuss the importance of eye safety. Link to EYLF: 3.3 Children are aware of and develop strategies to support their own mental and physical health and personal safety ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Introduces the importance of eye safety while engaging in creative activity. Link to Early Childhood Theorist: Erik Erikson’s Initiative vs Guilt – exploring safely. Extension Activities:
Goggle Drawing: Draw pictures of people wearing safety goggles (3.3)
Safety Talk: Discuss other instances where eye protection is important (3.3)
Gear Exploration: Explore other safety gear like helmets (3.3)
Puzzling Eyes
Materials: Eye anatomy puzzle or a printed picture of an eye cut into pieces Instructions: Help the child assemble the puzzle while discussing the parts of the eye. Link to EYLF: 4.2 Children develop a range of learning and thinking skills and processes such as problem solving, inquiry, experimentation, hypothesising, researching and investigating ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Introduces basic anatomy and problem-solving skills. Link to Early Childhood Theorist: Maria Montessori – learning through sensory and hands-on activities. Extension Activities:
Eye Chart: Create a chart showing different parts of the eye (4.2)
Eye Doctor Role Play: Incorporate the puzzle into an eye doctor visit role-play (4.2)
Animal Eyes Puzzle: Compare human eyes with animal eyes through another puzzle (4.2)
Fruit Faces
Materials: Sliced fruits like grapes, banana slices, and apple wedges Instructions: Arrange the fruits on a plate to make faces. Focus on making eyes with the fruits. Link to EYLF: 3.2 Children become strong in their physical learning and wellbeing ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Teaches healthy eating while focusing on facial features. Link to Early Childhood Theorist: Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory – learning through observation and imitation. Extension Activities:
Veggie Faces: Make faces with vegetables (3.2)
Edible Art: Create other objects or animals using fruits (3.2)
Food Discussion: Discuss the benefits of eating fruits for eye health (3.2)
Traffic Light Game
Materials: Red, green, and yellow cards or lights Instructions: Use the cards to simulate a traffic light. Discuss the meaning of each colour and play a stop-and-go game. Link to EYLF: 2.4 Children become socially responsible and show respect for the environment ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Introduces basic road safety and colour recognition. Link to Early Childhood Theorist: John Dewey – learning through experience and interaction. Extension Activities:
Road Signs: Introduce other road signs and their meanings (2.4)
Traffic Role Play: Create a mini road with toy cars and use the traffic light for play (2.4)
Walk the Line: Incorporate lines on the floor that they have to follow based on the traffic light cues (2.4)
Download your FREE learning Story pack here to document your learning..
3-5 years (QKLG)
"See the Difference" Glasses
Materials: Different types of toy glasses (coloured, blurry, etc.) Instructions: Let the children try on different types of glasses to simulate various vision impairments. QKLG Link: Building a sense of security and trust (Identity) ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Builds empathy and understanding of how others may see the world. Theorist Link: Jean Piaget – Sensorimotor and Preoperational Stages Extension Activities:
Draw Your Vision: Draw what they saw through each glass.
Discuss Feelings: Talk about how different glasses made them feel.
Compare Experiences: Discuss the experience with peers.
Carrot Snacking
Materials: Carrots, hummus or dip Instructions: Serve carrots as a snack and discuss how they are good for eye health. QKLG Link: Exploring ways to be healthy and safe (Wellbeing) ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Teaches healthy eating habits and the importance of eye health. Theorist Link: Erik Erikson – Trust vs Mistrust stage Extension Activities:
Other Foods: Explore other foods beneficial for eye health.
Draw the Snack: Create a drawing or painting of their snack.
Food Story: Make up a story about a character who gains super sight from eating carrots.
Sun Hat Parade
Materials: Variety of sun hats and sunglasses Instructions: Allow children to choose a hat and sunglasses and talk about the importance of protecting eyes from the sun. QKLG Link: Exploring ways to promote physical wellbeing (Wellbeing) ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Introduces the concept of sun protection for eyes. Theorist Link: John Bowlby – Attachment Theory Extension Activities:
Decorate Your Hat: Add embellishments to make the hats unique.
Role-Play: Pretend to be at the beach or in other sunny environments.
Sun Facts: Discuss facts about the sun and why it’s important to protect our eyes.
Eye Doctor Dramatic Play
Materials: Toy doctor kits, chairs, eye charts Instructions: Set up an eye doctor's office and allow the children to role-play eye check-ups. QKLG Link: Building positive dispositions towards learning (Active Learning) ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Familiarises children with eye check-up procedures, reducing anxiety. Theorist Link: Lev Vygotsky – Social Development Theory Extension Activities:
Real Tools: Show real or pictures of optometry tools.
Patient Forms: Fill out pretend patient forms.
Discuss Importance: Talk about the importance of regular eye check-ups.
Flashlight Tag
Materials: Flashlights Instructions: Play a game of tag in a darkened room, using flashlights to “tag” each other. QKLG Link: Building a confident self-identity (Identity) ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Boosts self-confidence and enhances vision and motor skills in a dark environment. Theorist Link: Maria Montessori – Sensory-Based Learning Extension Activities:
Shadow Puppets: Use flashlights to make shadow puppets.
Find the Object: Use flashlights to find objects hidden in the room.
Night and Day: Discuss the difference between night and day vision.
Follow the Leader
Materials: None Instructions: Play "Follow the Leader" where the leader mimics rubbing eyes, and everyone discusses why that's not good for eye health. QKLG Link: Building positive relationships (Connectedness) ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Teaches the importance of not touching or rubbing eyes frequently. Theorist Link: Albert Bandura – Social Learning Theory Extension Activities:
Hand Washing: Incorporate a hand-washing step to emphasize cleanliness.
Good Habits: Discuss other good eye habits.
Why Not: Discuss why we shouldn't rub our eyes.
Colourful World Collage
Materials: Magazines, scissors, glue, paper Instructions: Create collages using images of things they like to look at. Discuss the importance of sight. QKLG Link: Exploring and expanding language (Communicating) ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Enhances language skills while discussing the value of sight. Theorist Link: Reggio Emilia – Importance of Expressive Arts Extension Activities:
Sight vs No Sight: Discuss what it would be like without the ability to see these things.
Different Perspectives: Discuss how others might have a different "beautiful world."
Adjectives: Describe their world using adjectives.
Animal Eyes Safari
Materials: Animal pictures, toy binoculars Instructions: Go on a pretend safari to look at animals, focusing on their eyes and how they differ from human eyes. QKLG Link: Showing respect for diversity (Connectedness) ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Enhances understanding of biodiversity and how sight varies among animals. Theorist Link: Howard Gardner – Multiple Intelligences Extension Activities:
Draw Animal Eyes: Create artwork based on the animals’ eyes.
Animal Stories: Make up stories about how the animals use their unique eyes.
Habitat Discussion: Discuss different animal habitats and how eyes are adapted to them.
Pin the Glasses on the Face
Materials: Large face drawing, paper glasses, blindfold Instructions: Play a game similar to "Pin the Tail on the Donkey" but with glasses and a face. QKLG Link: Exploring numeracy in personally meaningful ways (Communicating) ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Enhances spatial awareness and understanding of face anatomy. Theorist Link: Rudolf Steiner – Waldorf Education Extension Activities:
Measure Distance: Use a ruler to measure how close they got to the correct spot.
Different Glasses: Use different types of glasses for different faces.
Discuss Vision: Talk about why some people need glasses.
Digital Eye Strain Discussion
Materials: Variety of digital devices like tablets, computers (turned off) Instructions: Discuss the effects of too much screen time on eyes and demonstrate proper screen use. QKLG Link: Using technologies for learning and communication (Active Learning) ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Teaches responsible use of technology to protect eye health. Theorist Link: Seymour Papert – Constructionism Extension Activities:
Timer Reminder: Show how to set timers to take eye breaks.
Proper Distance: Demonstrate the proper distance to hold a screen from eyes.
Blue Light: Discuss the concept of blue light and how it affects eyes.
Download your FREE learning Story pack here to document your learning..
5-8 years(MTOP)
UV Ray Experiment
Materials: UV-sensitive beads, Ziplock bags, sunscreen, sun hats, sunglasses Instructions: Children place UV-sensitive beads in a Ziplock bag and apply sunscreen to the outside of one bag while leaving another bag bare. They then place both bags in direct sunlight and observe the colour changes. MTOP Link: 4.2 Children and young people develop a range of learning and thinking skills ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Children understand the effects of UV rays and the protective quality of sunscreen. Theorist Link: John Dewey – Experiential Learning Extension Activities:
Graph the Observations: Children graph the rate of colour change in beads.
Experiment with Sun Hats: Repeat the experiment using sun hats as a UV barrier.
Test Different Sunscreens: Compare the efficacy of different SPF ratings.
The Light Maze
Materials: Flashlights, mirrors, cardboard to make walls of a maze Instructions: Children use flashlights to navigate a beam of light through a maze built of cardboard walls and mirrors. MTOP Link: 4.2 Children and young people develop a range of learning and thinking skills ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Children learn about reflection and angles in a hands-on way. Theorist Link: Jean Piaget – Cognitive Development Extension Activities:
Measure Angles: Introduce protractors to measure reflection angles.
Blindfold Challenge: One child gives verbal directions while the other navigates blindfolded.
Time Trials: Children compete to finish the maze in the shortest time.
Eye Anatomy Puzzle
Materials: Pre-made cardboard puzzles depicting the anatomy of the eye Instructions: Children assemble a puzzle that depicts the anatomy of the eye, then label each part with its name. MTOP Link: 4.2 Children and young people develop a range of learning and thinking skills ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Enhances understanding of eye anatomy and functions. Theorist Link: Maria Montessori – Hands-on Learning Extension Activities:
Identify Functions: Children match eye parts to their functions.
Discuss Eye Conditions: Talk about conditions like nearsightedness and farsightedness.
Model Building: Children create a 3D model of an eye.
Seeing Different Perspectives
Materials: Various goggles mimicking different eye conditions (e.g., nearsighted, farsighted, cataracts) Instructions: Children take turns wearing goggles that mimic different eye conditions while trying to perform simple tasks. MTOP Link: 1.4 Children and young people learn to interact in relation to others with care, empathy, and respect ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Develops empathy and understanding for people with different visual needs. Theorist Link: Erik Erikson – Psychosocial Development Extension Activities:
Reflection Journal: Children journal about the experience.
Accessibility Design: Discuss ways to make spaces more accessible.
Community Guest: Invite someone with a visual impairment to discuss their experiences.
Eye-Friendly Food Chart
Materials: Magazines, glue, poster board Instructions: Children cut out pictures of foods that are good for eye health and glue them onto a poster board. MTOP Link: 3.3 Children and young people are aware of and develop strategies to support their own mental and physical health ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Encourages nutritional choices that support eye health. Theorist Link: Albert Bandura – Social Learning Theory Extension Activities:
Cooking Class: Make a dish using eye-healthy foods.
Nutrition Labels: Learn to read and understand nutrition labels.
Family Involvement: Children share what they’ve learned with their family.
Pinhole Camera Experiment
Materials: Shoebox, pin, aluminum foil, white paper, tape Instructions: Children create a simple pinhole camera using a shoebox to understand how the eye focuses light to form images. MTOP Link: 4.2 Children and young people develop a range of learning and thinking skills ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Children learn how light enters the eye and is focused to form an image, similar to a camera. Theorist Link: John Dewey – Experiential Learning Extension Activities:
Draw Conclusions: Sketch the images produced by the pinhole camera.
Lens Experiment: Add different materials to mimic the lens of the eye.
Discuss Similarities: Compare how cameras and eyes work.
Colour Mixing with Light
Materials: Red, green, and blue flashlights, a white screen Instructions: Children use red, green, and blue flashlights to shine light on a white screen and observe how the colors mix. MTOP Link: 4.1 Children and young people develop a growth mindset and learning dispositions ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Demonstrates the principles of additive color and how our eyes perceive color. Theorist Link: Jean Piaget – Cognitive Development Extension Activities:
Colour Wheel: Create a colour wheel to understand complementary colours.
Negative Space: Experiment with blocking out colours to create new ones.
Field Trip: Visit an art exhibition focusing on colour theory.
Mirror Writing
Materials: Mirror, paper, markers Instructions: Children try to write their names by looking only in the mirror. MTOP Link: 5.1 Children and young people interact verbally and non-verbally with others ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Enhances hand-eye coordination and understanding of symmetrical shapes. Theorist Link: Maria Montessori – Hands-on Learning Extension Activities:
Decode Messages: Write secret messages using mirror writing.
Symmetry Art: Create symmetrical drawings.
Discuss Left and Right: Identify the challenges in perceiving directions in a mirror.
Braille Introduction
Materials: Braille alphabet chart, raisins, flat surface Instructions: Children use raisins to represent Braille letters on a flat surface to spell simple words. MTOP Link: 1.4 Children and young people learn to interact in relation to others with care, empathy, and respect ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Introduces children to different modes of communication and develops empathy. Theorist Link: Erik Erikson – Psychosocial Development Extension Activities:
Guest Speaker: Invite a person who uses Braille to speak.
Braille Books: Explore a simple Braille book.
Tactile Learning: Create textures to represent different objects or feelings.
Sunglass Design
Materials: Plastic frames, coloured cellophane, decorations (stickers, markers) Instructions: Children decorate plastic frames and attach coloured cellophane to create their own "sunglasses," discussing the importance of UV protection. MTOP Link: 3.3 Children and young people are aware of and develop strategies to support their mental and physical health ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Encourages understanding of UV protection for eye health. Theorist Link: Albert Bandura – Social Learning Theory Extension Activities:
UV Stickers: Add UV-sensitive stickers that change colour in the sun.
Ad Campaign: Create posters promoting the importance of wearing sunglasses.
Sunglass Fashion Show: Children model their sunglasses, explaining their UV protection features.
Download your FREE learning Story pack here to document your learning..
