6 EYLF Project-Based Learning Examples
If you’ve spent any time in an early learning setting, you’ve likely seen project-based learning already in action.
In the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), learning happens through play, exploration, and real experiences. Project-based learning fits naturally within this approach. It helps children build understanding through doing, connect with the world around them, and develop skills such as communication, problem solving, and collaboration.
In early childhood, projects often begin with a simple question or shared interest. Children then explore ideas over time through drawing, building, role play, discussion, and hands-on investigation.
In this article, you’ll find practical EYLF project-based learning examples that are clear, hands-on, and easy to implement.
Overview of Project-Based Learning in EYLF
Project-based learning in EYLF involves children exploring real-world ideas over time through play-based, inquiry-driven experiences. Educators guide learning by extending children’s questions, ideas, and observations.
Projects are usually grounded in everyday experiences. A project might begin with a question such as “Who helps us in our community?” or “What do plants need to grow?” and develop through observation, discussion, and creative activity.
In early childhood settings, projects are concrete and hands-on. Outcomes may include drawings, models, role play, or simple explanations rather than formal presentations.
Strong EYLF project-based learning experiences typically include:
- A simple, open-ended question
- Hands-on, play-based exploration
- Child choice and shared ideas
- Collaboration and discussion
- Ongoing observation and reflection
- A shared outcome such as a display or model
Project-based learning supports EYLF outcomes by building identity, connection, wellbeing, confidence, and communication. It also allows learning to be integrated across areas such as language, numeracy, science, and the arts.
Projects should remain flexible and responsive to the children, rather than following a fixed structure.
EYLF Project-Based Learning Examples
The following examples are designed specifically for early childhood settings. Each one provides a clear starting point and practical activities that can be implemented immediately, while still allowing flexibility for children’s ideas to shape the direction of the project.
As you explore these examples, consider how they support play-based learning, inquiry, and the development of EYLF outcomes.
1. Our Neighborhood Helpers
Project Challenge: Who helps in our community, and what do they do?
Begin by asking children who helps them in their daily lives. Introduce familiar roles such as doctors, firefighters, teachers, and shop workers. Read a story or show images to build understanding.
Invite children to choose a helper and explore what they do through drawing, role play, and simple discussions. Set up play stations such as a pretend clinic, shop, or construction site so children can act out these roles.
Children create drawings, photos, or simple recordings showing their chosen helper. These are combined into a class book or display.
Finish by sharing the project with families or inviting a local helper to visit. Children can explain what they learned and ask simple questions.
Targeted Learning Outcomes:
- Understanding community roles and relationships
- Oral communication and storytelling
- Role play and social development
2. How Plants Grow
Project Challenge: What do plants need to grow, and how can we help them?
Start by planting seeds together in small pots or a garden bed. Ask children what they think plants need to live and record their ideas.
Children observe plant growth over time, watering and caring for the plants daily. Encourage them to notice changes such as height, leaves, and color.
Have children draw their plants at different stages or take photos to document growth. Compare plants placed in different conditions such as sun and shade.
Conclude by sharing findings as a class. Children can explain what helped their plants grow and reflect on what they observed.
Targeted Learning Outcomes:
- Observation and early science skills
- Understanding living things
- Responsibility and care routines
3. Weather Watchers
Project Challenge: What is the weather like each day, and how does it change?
Begin each day with a short outdoor observation. Ask children what they can see and feel, such as sun, wind, clouds, or rain.
Create a simple class weather chart. Children record daily weather using drawings, symbols, or stickers.
Over time, look for patterns such as sunny days, rainy days, or temperature changes. Encourage children to talk about what they notice.
At the end of the week, children present a simple “weather report” using their chart and drawings.
Targeted Learning Outcomes:
- Pattern recognition and data awareness
- Language development through description
- Connection to the natural environment
4. All About Me Museum
Project Challenge: How can we share who we are with others?
Ask children to bring a small item from home that represents something about them, such as a toy, photo, or drawing. Discuss what makes each child unique.
Children create a simple display using drawings, photos, or objects. Support them to describe their item and why it is important.
Arrange the classroom as a “museum” with each child’s display. Children walk through the space and view each other’s work.
Invite families or another class to visit. Children can stand by their display and talk about themselves.
Targeted Learning Outcomes:
- Identity and self-awareness
- Speaking and listening skills
- Respect for others
5. Kindergarten Kindness Project
Project Challenge: How can we make our classroom or school a kinder place?
Start by discussing what kindness looks like. Ask children to share examples such as helping, sharing, or including others.
As a class, choose simple acts of kindness to carry out, such as cleaning up shared spaces, making thank-you cards, or helping another group.
Children complete these actions over several days. Take photos or create drawings to document what they did.
At the end of the project, reflect together on how these actions made others feel. Create a class display showing acts of kindness.
Targeted Learning Outcomes:
- Social-emotional development
- Empathy and cooperation
- Understanding positive behavior
6. Pumpkin Math & Measurement Study
Project Challenge: How big is a pumpkin, and how can we measure it?
Introduce a pumpkin and ask children to estimate its size, weight, or shape. Encourage predictions before measuring.
Use simple tools such as string, blocks, or scales to measure height, circumference, and weight. Record results using drawings or numbers.
Compare pumpkins of different sizes or explore what is inside by cutting one open and observing seeds and texture.
Children share what they discovered and compare their predictions with actual measurements.
Targeted Learning Outcomes:
- Early numeracy and measurement
- Observation and comparison skills
- Hands-on exploration
