Melbourne Cup Play-Based Ideas
The Melbourne Cup festivities present a unique blend of excitement, color, and tradition. Activities designed around this event are inherently fun as they are filled with movement, creativity, and the spirit of competition — all of which are highly engaging for children. From making and parading Derby Day hats to participating in a 'mini cup parade', children can immerse themselves in a vibrant part of Australian culture in a hands-on way.
Birth to 3 Years "Jockey Jersey Textures"
Materials:
Fabric scraps of various textures (satin, corduroy, wool, etc.)
Plain cotton onesies
Safe fabric glue or double-sided tape
Instructions:
Present the fabric scraps to the infants and toddlers and let them feel each texture.
Use safe fabric glue or double-sided tape to attach their chosen textures to the cotton onesies.
Allow the children to wear the onesies and experience the different textures against their skin.
EYLF Outcome: 3.2 Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing.
VEYLDF Outcome: WELLBEING - Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing.
Analysis of Learning: Engaging with different textures supports sensory development, while choosing and attaching fabrics promotes autonomy and fine motor skills, contributing to their sense of wellbeing.
3 to 5 Years "Derby Day Puppet Show"
Materials:
Puppets or stick horses
Cardboard box stage
Decorative materials to create a backdrop
Instructions:
Guide the children in setting up a cardboard box stage and decorating it with a racing theme.
Use the puppets or stick horses to create a simple narrative around the Melbourne Cup.
Encourage the children to take turns narrating parts of the story or manipulating the puppets.
VEYLDF Outcome: COMMUNICATION - Children engage with a range of texts and gain meaning from these texts.
QKLG Outcome: Communicating - Children express ideas and make meaning using a range of media.
Analysis of Learning: Participating in a puppet show develops language skills, fosters creativity, and enhances narrative understanding. It also encourages social collaboration and turn-taking.
5 to 8 Years "Melbourne Cup Mosaic Art"
Materials:
Colored paper or magazines
Glue
Cardboard or paper plates for base
Instructions:
Discuss the colors and symbols associated with the Melbourne Cup.
Have children cut or tear the paper into small pieces to create a mosaic.
Arrange and glue the pieces onto the cardboard or paper plates to represent scenes or elements related to the race.
VEYLDF Outcome: LEARNING - Children transfer and adapt what they have learned from one context to another.
MTOP Outcome: 4.3 Children and young people transfer and adapt what they have learned from one context to another.
Analysis of Learning: Creating mosaics helps with fine motor skills, color recognition, and artistic expression. It also encourages children to apply their knowledge of the Melbourne Cup in a new creative format, aiding in conceptual transfer and adaptation.
Birth to 3 Years "Pony Pattern Blocks"
Materials:
Soft foam blocks in various shapes
Images of horses and jockeys
Velcro dots
Instructions:
Attach Velcro dots to the foam blocks and printed images of horses and jockeys.
Encourage the infants and toddlers to match and stick the images onto the corresponding shaped blocks.
Use the activity to discuss colors and shapes, and create simple patterns or sequences.
EYLF Outcome: 4.3 Children transfer and adapt what they have learned from one context to another. VEYLDF Outcome: LEARNING - Children transfer and adapt what they have learned from one context to another. Analysis of Learning: This activity promotes cognitive development through sorting and pattern recognition. It also enhances fine motor skills and provides a tactile sensory experience. 3 to 5 Years "Race Track Builders"
Materials:
Long rolls of paper
Toy horses
Markers and crayons
Instructions:
Roll out a length of paper and secure it on the floor.
Guide the children to draw and decorate a race track with starting gates and finish lines.
Use toy horses to 'race' along the track, discussing the concept of fair play and taking turns.
VEYLDF Outcome: IDENTITY - Children develop their emerging autonomy, interdependence, resilience and sense of agency. QKLG Outcome: Connectedness - Children develop a sense of belonging to groups and communities and an understanding of the reciprocal rights and responsibilities necessary for active community participation. Analysis of Learning: Creating a race track encourages spatial awareness, cooperative play, and understanding of community roles. It also provides a basis for discussions about competition and fairness. 5 to 8 Years "Melbourne Cup Hat Design Challenge"
Materials:
Paper plates or sturdy cardstock for hat bases
Ribbons, flowers, feathers, and other decorative items
Staplers and glue for assembly
Instructions:
Challenge the children to design and create a 'Melbourne Cup' hat using the provided materials.
Once completed, host a fashion parade to showcase their designs.
Discuss the history and tradition of wearing elaborate hats at the Melbourne Cup.
VEYLDF Outcome: LEARNING - Children develop dispositions for learning such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflexivity.
MTOP Outcome: 4.1 Children and young people develop a growth mindset and learning dispositions such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflexivity.
Analysis of Learning: The hat design challenge fosters creativity, fine motor skills, and decision-making. It also encourages children to engage in a community event and understand cultural traditions.
Use our FREE Melbourne Cup Learning Story Pack to document the learning that is happening during these activities.
Birth to 3 Years "Mane & Tail Textures" Materials:
Different textured fabrics (silk, velvet, faux fur, etc.)
Large craft sticks
Safe adhesives
Instructions:
Cut the fabrics into strips to resemble horse manes and tails.
Encourage toddlers to feel each texture and choose their favorites.
Assist them in attaching the strips to craft sticks to create tactile sensory sticks.
EYLF Outcome: 3.2 Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing. VEYLDF Outcome: WELLBEING - Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing.
Analysis of Learning: This activity engages toddlers in sensory exploration, promoting an understanding of different textures, which aids in their cognitive and tactile development.
3 to 5 Years
"Miniature Cup Floral Arrangements" Materials:
Small plastic cups
Variety of flowers and leaves
Playdough to hold the flowers
Instructions:
Show the children pictures of the Flemington Racecourse roses.
Provide them with materials to create their own miniature cup floral arrangements.
Encourage them to smell and touch the different flowers and leaves.
VEYLDF Outcome: COMMUNITY - Children contribute to their world.
QKLG Outcome: Wellbeing - Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and wellbeing.
Analysis of Learning: Children will learn about natural elements and the importance of plants, as well as develop fine motor skills through arranging the flowers in the playdough.
5 to 8 Years "Jockey Silks Design Studio" Materials:
Plain white T-shirts
Fabric markers or paints
Pictures of jockey silks for inspiration
Instructions:
Discuss the importance and uniqueness of jockey silks in racing.
Allow the children to design their own silks using the markers or paints on the T-shirts.
Have them present their designs and explain the patterns and colors chosen.
VEYLDF Outcome: IDENTITY - Children develop knowledgeable and confident self identities.
MTOP Outcome: 5.1 Children and young people interact verbally and non-verbally with others for a range of purposes.
Analysis of Learning: This activity allows older children to express their creativity and personal identity through design, enhancing their fine motor skills and confidence in presentation.
Birth to 3 Years "Gallop and Trot Rhythm Play" Materials:
Drums or other percussion instruments
Space to move freely
Instructions:
Teach the children different horse gaits like 'gallop' and 'trot' through rhythms.
Play different beats and have the toddlers move to the rhythm of the gaits.
Encourage them to use the instruments to replicate the rhythms.
EYLF Outcome: 2.1 Children develop a sense of belonging to groups and communities and an understanding of the reciprocal rights and responsibilities necessary for active community participation. VEYLDF Outcome: COMMUNITY - Children contribute to their world.
Analysis of Learning: This musical activity helps children develop auditory discrimination, physical coordination, and a sense of belonging through group participation.
Use our FREE Melbourne Cup Learning Story Pack to document the learning that is happening during these activities.
3 to 5 Years
"Racecourse Obstacle Fun"
Materials:
Cones, hoops, soft barriers
Space to set up a course
Instructions:
Set up a simple obstacle course to mimic a racecourse.
Explain the rules of the game and demonstrate how to navigate the course.
Children take turns galloping around the course, encouraging physical activity and turn-taking.
VEYLDF Outcome: WELLBEING - Children become strong in their social and emotional wellbeing.
QKLG Outcome: Active learning - Children show enthusiasm and confidence in their learning.
Analysis of Learning: The obstacle course promotes gross motor skills, spatial awareness, and teaches children about following rules and the concept of organized games.
5 to 8 Years
"Jockey Jersey Math Race"
Materials:
Jerseys with numbers
Math equation cards
Space for running
Instructions:
Associate each jersey with a number as part of a math equation.
Lay out cards with math problems suitable for the age group.
Have children solve equations and run to the jersey with the correct answer number.
VEYLDF Outcome: LEARNING - Children develop dispositions for learning such as curiosity and enthusiasm. MTOP Outcome: 4.3 Children and young people transfer and adapt what they have learned from one context to another.
Analysis of Learning: Integrating physical activity with math skills helps children engage in learning with their whole body, reinforcing knowledge through active play.
Birth to 3 Years
"Paddock to Playpen Farm Sounds" Materials:
Toy farm animals
Picture cards with animals and sounds
Instructions:
Introduce each farm animal to the children and the sounds they make.
Match the sounds with the correct picture cards.
Allow the children to explore making animal sounds themselves.
EYLF Outcome: 1.4 Children learn to interact in relation to others with care, empathy and respect.
VEYLDF Outcome: COMMUNICATION - Children begin to understand how symbols and pattern systems work.
Analysis of Learning: Exploring farm sounds fosters language development, auditory skills, and introduces early concepts of pattern recognition through sound association.
3 to 5 Years
"Stable Block Construction"
Materials:
Wooden or foam blocks
Toy horses and farm animals
Pictures of stables for reference
Instructions:
Show the children images of horse stables and discuss their features.
Invite them to build their own stables with the blocks and include spaces for the animals.
Engage them in role-play as they manage their stable and care for the horses.
VEYLDF Outcome: WELLBEING - Children have a strong sense of wellbeing.
QKLG Outcome: Connectedness - Children are connected with and contribute to their world.
Analysis of Learning: Building stables offers a chance to understand spatial relationships, practice fine motor skills, and learn about caring for animals.
Use our FREE Melbourne Cup Learning Story Pack to document the learning that is happening during these activities.
5 to 8 Years
"Cup Day Time Capsule"
Materials:
Art supplies for decorating
Items related to the current Melbourne Cup
A container to hold the items
Instructions:
Discuss the significance of the Melbourne Cup and have children select items related to the event.
Decorate the container and place the items inside.
Decide as a group where to keep the time capsule and plan a date to reopen it.
VEYLDF Outcome: COMMUNITY - Children become socially responsible and show respect for the environment.
MTOP Outcome: 2.1 Children and young people develop a sense of belonging to groups and communities and an understanding of the reciprocal rights and responsibilities necessary for active and informed citizenship.
Analysis of Learning: Creating a time capsule is a communal activity that teaches about history, the concept of time, and collective decision-making.
Birth to 3 Years
"Horsey Hopscotch"
Materials:
Soft play mats or interlocking foam tiles
Pictures of horses or horse footprints
Instructions:
Arrange the play mats to create a simple hopscotch grid.
Place pictures of horses or footprints on each square.
Encourage toddlers to hop from square to square, improving balance and coordination.
EYLF Outcome: 3.1 Children become strong in their social, emotional and physical wellbeing. VEYLDF Outcome: WELLBEING - Children develop increasing independence and resilience.
Analysis of Learning: Promotes gross motor skills, understanding of sequence, and offers an introduction to following rules in a game.
3 to 5 Years
"Fashion on the Fields Hat Parade"
Materials:
Construction paper
Craft supplies (feathers, sequins, etc.)
Glue and safe scissors
Instructions:
Talk about the fashion often seen at the races.
Allow children to create their own fashionable hats using craft supplies.
Hold a parade to show off their creations.
VEYLDF Outcome: IDENTITY - Children develop their emerging autonomy, inter-dependence, resilience and sense of agency.
QKLG Outcome: Active learners - Children resource their own learning through connecting with people, place, technologies and natural and processed materials.
Analysis of Learning: Encourages creativity, self-expression, and fine motor skills through cutting and gluing.
5 to 8 Years
"Melbourne Cup Quiz Challenge"
Materials:
Trivia questions about the Melbourne Cup
Bells or buzzers
Instructions:
Divide children into teams.
Ask questions about the Melbourne Cup history and facts.
Teams hit the buzzer to answer; correct answers earn points.
VEYLDF Outcome: LEARNING - Children develop enthusiasm for learning and a desire for knowledge and understanding. MTOP Outcome: 4.2 Children and young people develop a range of skills and processes such as problem-solving and inquiry.
Analysis of Learning: Promotes teamwork, listening skills, and comprehension of information related to a significant cultural event.
Birth to 3 Years "Soft Saddle Sensory Bags" Materials:
Ziplock bags
Hair gel or similar substance
Small horse figurines or pictures
Instructions:
Fill the bags with hair gel or a similar safe substance.
Add miniature horse figurines or laminated pictures.
Seal the bags and let the toddlers explore with their hands.
EYLF Outcome: 4.1 Children develop dispositions for learning such as curiosity and enthusiasm.
VEYLDF Outcome: LEARNING - Children develop dispositions for learning such as curiosity and enthusiasm.
Analysis of Learning: Enhances sensory experiences, encourages exploration, and develops an understanding of cause and effect.
3 to 5 Years "Run for the Roses Relay" Materials:
Fake roses
Baskets or buckets
A designated relay area
Instructions:
Set up a relay race where children must carry a rose to a bucket and return for the next child to go.
Discuss the concept of the 'Run for the Roses' as part of the race tradition.
Focus on teamwork and gentle handling of the flowers.
VEYLDF Outcome: COMMUNITY - Children learn to live and work together.
QKLG Outcome: Wellbeing - Children contribute to their own and others' health and wellbeing.
Analysis of Learning: Teaches teamwork, gross motor coordination, and introduces the history and traditions of the Melbourne Cup.
5 to 8 Years
"Race Day Commentary Workshop"
Materials:
Videos of past Melbourne Cup races
Microphones or props
Instructions:
Show children clips of races with the volume down.
Encourage them to commentate the race using their own words.
Discuss the importance of clear communication and descriptive language.
VEYLDF Outcome: COMMUNICATION - Children express ideas and make meaning using a range of media. MTOP Outcome: 5.1 Children and young people interact verbally and non-verbally with others for a range of purposes.
Analysis of Learning: Develops language skills, understanding of narrative structure, and confidence in public speaking.
Use our FREE Melbourne Cup Learning Story Pack to document the learning that is happening during these activities.
Birth to 3 Years
"Pony Puppet Play"
Materials:
Sock puppets or simple hand puppets resembling horses
Soft play area
Instructions:
Introduce the concept of puppets to the toddlers.
Use the horse puppets to create simple, playful scenarios.
Encourage the children to interact with the puppets and each other.
EYLF Outcome: 1.1 Children feel safe, secure, and supported. VEYLDF Outcome: WELLBEING - Children feel safe, secure, and supported.
Analysis of Learning: This activity supports emotional development and encourages imaginative play and interaction.
3 to 5 Years "Melbourne Cup Memory Game" Materials:
Cards with Melbourne Cup-themed pictures
A flat play surface
Instructions:
Create pairs of cards with images related to the Melbourne Cup.
Lay the cards face down and take turns to find matching pairs.
Discuss the images and their significance as they are matched.
VEYLDF Outcome: COMMUNICATION - Children engage with a range of texts and gain meaning from these texts. QKLG Outcome: Communicators - Children engage in and contribute to shared understandings through a range of texts.
Analysis of Learning: Enhances cognitive development through memory recall and provides a platform to introduce historical and cultural concepts.
5 to 8 Years "Design Your Jockey Silk" Materials:
Fabric or paper cut in the shape of jockey silks
Fabric paints or markers
Instructions:
Talk about the importance of jockey silks and their designs.
Allow children to design their own silks using the materials provided.
Share the designs and discuss the meanings behind their choices.
VEYLDF Outcome: IDENTITY - Children develop knowledgeable and confident self-identities. MTOP Outcome: 3.3 Children and young people are aware of and develop strategies to support their own mental and physical health, and personal safety.
Analysis of Learning: Encourages artistic expression, decision-making, and understanding of symbols and identity.
Continuing with five more activities:
Birth to 3 Years "Trotting Track Texture Path" Materials:
A variety of materials with different textures (e.g., carpet squares, artificial grass, smooth tiles)
Barrier tape or ropes to create a track
Instructions:
Lay out the textured materials to form a 'track' for children to walk on.
Guide the toddlers along the track, allowing them to feel the different textures underfoot.
Encourage descriptive language and sensory exploration.
EYLF Outcome: 3.2 Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing. VEYLDF Outcome: LEARNING - Children develop sensory perceptions and understandings of their world through the resources they interact with.
Analysis of Learning: Supports sensory development and language skills as children describe their experiences.
3 to 5 Years "Jockey Yoga Poses" Materials:
None
Instructions:
Lead a group yoga session with poses inspired by horses and jockeys.
Include poses that mimic the movements of riding a horse.
Focus on balance, flexibility, and following instructions.
VEYLDF Outcome: WELLBEING - Children learn to use a range of strategies for self-regulation and managing change. QKLG Outcome: Active Learners - Children are involved and engaged in learning.
Analysis of Learning: Promotes physical health, mindfulness, and provides strategies for self-regulation.
5 to 8 Years "Cultural History of Horse Racing" Materials:
Books, images, and online resources about horse racing around the world
Art supplies for creating visual displays
Instructions:
Explore the history and cultural significance of horse racing in different countries.
Create posters or digital presentations on what they learn.
Present their findings to the group.
VEYLDF Outcome: COMMUNITY - Children explore the diversity of culture, heritage, background and tradition and that diversity presents opportunities for choices and new understandings.
MTOP Outcome: 2.2 Children and young people respond to diversity with respect.
Analysis of Learning: Fosters a sense of global community, respect for diversity, and enhances research and presentation skills.
Birth to 3 Years "Stable Sorting Game" Materials:
Toy horses in various colors
Colored stables made from cardboard boxes
Instructions:
Encourage toddlers to sort the toy horses into stables based on their color.
Use language to describe the colors and praise successful sorting.
Turn it into a game with gentle clapping for each successful sort.
EYLF Outcome: 5.1 Children interact verbally and non-verbally with others for a range of purposes. VEYLDF Outcome: COMMUNICATION - Children express themselves through a range of media and can relay experiences in a clear and coherent manner.
Analysis of Learning: This sorting activity helps with color recognition and develops early math concepts like categorizing.
3 to 5 Years
"Race Track Creation"
Materials:
Long rolls of paper
Markers and crayons
Toy cars or horses
Instructions:
Unroll the paper to create a 'track' on the floor.
Invite children to draw their own tracks with start and finish lines.
Use toy horses or cars to 'race' on the tracks, discussing the concept of fair play and turn-taking.
VEYLDF Outcome: IDENTITY - Children develop a sense of belonging to groups and communities.
QKLG Outcome: Connectedness - Children respect and care for the environment and each other.
Analysis of Learning: The creation of race tracks supports understanding of spatial awareness, promotes creativity, and introduces concepts of fairness and sharing.
3 to 5 Years
"Stable Clean-Up Obstacle Course"
Materials:
Various items to represent stable debris
Obstacle course setup (tunnels, hoops, soft barriers)
Instructions:
Set up an obstacle course to represent a stable needing clean-up.
Children must navigate the course while 'cleaning' up the debris.
Focus on teamwork and motor skills.
VEYLDF Outcome: WELLBEING - Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing. QKLG Outcome: Active learners - Children persist even when they find a task difficult and enjoy the challenge. Analysis of Learning: Teaches responsibility, physical coordination, and persistence in completing challenging tasks.
5 to 8 Years
"Horse Race Math"
Materials:
Die or spinner
Game board with a track and numbered spaces
Instructions:
Children roll the die or spin the spinner to move their horse along the track.
The spaces on the track have simple math problems to solve to move forward.
The first to the finish line wins, reinforcing number recognition and basic arithmetic.
VEYLDF Outcome: LEARNING - Children develop early mathematics understandings. MTOP Outcome: 4.1 Children and young people use a range of technologies and techniques to discover, create, and critically think.
Analysis of Learning: Enhances math skills through a fun and engaging horse racing game, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving.
Birth to 3 Years "Paddock Play Dough" Materials:
Green play dough
Small toy horses and race flags
Instructions:
Provide the toddlers with green play dough to represent grass.
Allow them to press the toy horses and flags into the dough to make a paddock scene.
Encourage sensory exploration and imaginative play.
EYLF Outcome: 4.2 Children develop a range of skills and processes such as problem-solving, inquiry, experimentation, hypothesising, researching and investigating. VEYLDF Outcome: LEARNING - Children develop a range of skills and processes such as problem-solving, inquiry, experimentation, hypothesising, researching and investigating. Analysis of Learning: Fosters fine motor skills and creative thinking, while also offering a tactile and imaginative play experience. 3 to 5 Years "Jockey Obstacle Relay" Materials:
Obstacles like cones, ropes, and balance beams
Hobby horses
Instructions:
Create an obstacle course that children must navigate while 'riding' their hobby horses.
Encourage them to complete the course, promoting physical activity and coordination.
Emphasize the importance of taking turns and cheering for peers.
VEYLDF Outcome: WELLBEING - Children become strong in their social and emotional wellbeing.
QKLG Outcome: Wellbeing - Children show increasing independence and confidence in their abilities.
Analysis of Learning: Improves gross motor skills, teaches patience, and encourages a sense of sportsmanship among children.
5 to 8 Years
"Horse Race Geography"
Materials:
World map
Markers or pins
Information cards about famous racecourses
Instructions:
Teach children about famous horse racing venues around the world.
Have them locate and mark these venues on the map.
Use information cards to learn facts about each location.
VEYLDF Outcome: COMMUNITY - Children become aware of fairness. MTOP Outcome: 2.4 Children and young people become socially responsible and show respect for the environment. Analysis of Learning: Combines geography with cultural education, allowing children to gain a broader understanding of the world and its traditions.
Birth to 3 Years
"Gallop Rhythm Band"
Materials:
Child-friendly musical instruments
Space for movement
Instructions:
Introduce a rhythm that mimics the sound of galloping.
Allow toddlers to play instruments to the gallop rhythm.
Move together in a circle, creating a sense of unity and rhythm.
EYLF Outcome: 2.1 Children develop a sense of belonging to groups and communities and an understanding of the reciprocal rights and responsibilities necessary for active community participation.
VEYLDF Outcome: WELLBEING - Children express themselves creatively through music, dance, and play.
Analysis of Learning: Promotes musicality, coordination, and a sense of belonging as children make music and move together.
5 to 8 Years "Racehorse Biography" Materials:
Access to books and online resources about famous racehorses
Writing materials
Instructions:
Research famous racehorses and their histories.
Write a short biography or create a poster about a chosen horse.
Share the stories with peers in a storytelling format.
VEYLDF Outcome: LEARNING - Children transfer and adapt what they have learned from one context to another. MTOP Outcome: 5.1 Children and young people communicate effectively for a range of purposes.
Analysis of Learning: Develops research and literacy skills, encourages public speaking, and fosters an appreciation for history and storytelling. Use our FREE Melbourne Cup Learning Story Pack to document the learning that is happening during these activities.
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