Oliver's Vegetable Lesson Plan

Bring the much-loved story Oliver’s Vegetables by Vivian French to life in your EYFS or Reception classroom with this engaging and hands-on lesson plan. Perfect for supporting early literacy, healthy eating, and understanding the world, this resource encourages children to explore real vegetables through all five senses.

The lesson includes a detailed whole-class input and a range of literacy and sensory continuous provision activities. Children will have the opportunity to see, touch, smell, and even taste the vegetables mentioned in the story, helping them develop descriptive language and confidence in expressing preferences.

Throughout the week, pupils will discuss which vegetables they like and dislike, explore new foods, and build vocabulary linked to texture, taste, and appearance. By the end of the week, children will be able to use their five senses to describe and draw their favourite vegetable, supporting both communication and fine motor skills.

This resource is ideal for:

EYFS and Reception literacy and topic planning

Supporting Understanding the World and PSHE through food exploration

Encouraging healthy eating and sensory learning

Developing vocabulary, descriptive writing, and speaking skills

Linking literacy with hands-on, real-life experiences

A perfect resource for story-based learning, healthy eating week, or a food and farming topic — just download, teach, and watch your class fall in love with vegetables like Oliver!