During the Melbourne Cup–themed play session, children explored a range of horse and farm-inspired sensory activities:
1. Horse Racing Tuff Tray with Green Rice
The tray was set up with green-coloured rice, horse figures, and racing lanes. Children scooped, poured, and ran their hands through the rice. Some moved the horses through the “racetrack,” while others listened to the sound of the rice falling. A few Children held horses up or pretended to make them “run,” showing early imaginative play.
2. Feeding the Horses (Horse Food Sensory Activity)
A tray invited children to “feed” the horses using scoops. Children enjoyed grasping the oats, transferring them between bowls, and offering them to the horse made of box . Some children to taste the oats, showing natural sensory exploration. Educators modelled gentle feeding actions.
3. Messy Horse Farm Tuff Tray
The tray included mud (edible and safe sensory mix), water, and farm accessories. Babies squeezed mud, and pushed horses through the messy textures. Several children experimented with cause and effect—mixing mud with water or burying horses. They babbled and pointed as they explored, showing excitement and curiosity.
Throughout the play session, children moved freely between trays, showing interest in textures, animals, and the sensory variety. They used gestures, facial expressions, and vocalisations to communicate enjoyment and to engage with educators.
Analysis
The Melbourne Cup activities supported children early learning through sensory engagement, fine motor practice, and imaginative exploration