3.3y–5y15 minFree playMusicFamily time
Atmosphere Stage: Rainy Theatre Play
A simple role-play setup using household 'atmosphere' (rain sounds, spotlight-like light, curtains) to stimulate imaginative play, encouraging storyline, roles, and expressive performance.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a blanket or towel (as a curtain)
- a lamp or flashlight (adult-controlled)
- a phone or device to play rain sounds OR you can make rain sounds with fingers
Nice to have
- simple dressing-up items from home (e.g., scarf, hat)
- a saucepan and wooden spoon (as instruments, used gently)
Movement level: mild
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneEnacts a pretend roleMind· 3y–5y· core· Step 2
- MilestonePlans a pretend scenarioMind· 3.3y–5y· core
- MilestoneAdds a sequenced storylineMind· 4y–5y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneIndependent connected storytellingMind· 4y–5y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneTalks about own interests and ideasMind· 4y–5y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneUses Intonation and Rhythm to Clarify MeaningMind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneSings familiar songs or dancesMind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneCreates pretend small world stories with toysMind· 3y–4y· stretch
What it practices
- Create simple representations of events, people and objects.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Initiates new combinations of movement and gesture in order to express and respond to feelings, ideas and experiences.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Chooses particular colours to use for a purpose.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Introduces a storyline or narrative into their play.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Plays alongside other children who are engaged in the same theme.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Plays cooperatively as part of a group to develop and act out a narrative.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide a stimulus for imagination by introducing atmospheric features in the role play area, such as the sounds of rain beating on a roof, or placing a spotlight to suggest a stage set. Provide curtains and place dressing-up materials and instruments close by.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)