3.3y–5y10 minDevelopmental playFree playActive play
Big Space, Small Space: Action Match Game
A simple ‘space check’ routine that helps your child match actions to the space they’re in, supporting safe movement and controlled tool use (big marks on big space; small careful marks on small space).
What you'll need
Essentials
- masking tape (or two different towels/blankets to mark areas)
- paper (one large piece if possible and one smaller piece)
- pencil/crayons/marker
Nice to have
- a small soft item (sock/scarf/soft toy) for ‘quiet hands’ reset
- a timer
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
- MilestoneReceptive opposite understandingMind· 4y–5y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneAdjusts to stated expectationsHeart· 2.5y–3.7y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneChanges behaviour across settingsHeart· 3y–4y· stretch· Steps 2, 3
- MilestoneExperiments with different ways of moving.Body· 3.3y–5y· core· Steps 2, 3
- MilestoneControls tools effectivelyBody· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneHandles varied tools with controlBody· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneWalks backwardBody· 3y–4y· core· Step 3
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Talk with children about the need to match their actions to the space they are in.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)