2.5y–4.2y12 minFree playOutdoorFamily time
Big Box, Small Block Builders
A flexible indoor/outdoor build where your child explores big/small through construction, compares sizes, and uses positional language while building and knocking down safely.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 1–2 large cardboard boxes (or laundry basket)
- a small set of blocks or small empty boxes/containers
- an open floor space (or a safe outdoor spot)
Nice to have
- blanket or towel (for a 'roof')
- masking tape (adult use only)
- 2 soft toys (to play 'move in' and 'move out')
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
What it practices
- Shows an interest in shape and space by playing with shapes or making arrangements with objects.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses positional language.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Shows interest in shape by sustained construction activity or by talking about shapes or arrangements.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Shows interest in shapes in the environment.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Have large and small blocks and boxes available for construction both indoors and outdoors.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)