3.3y–5y12 minFree playArtFamily time
Build a Home That Works
Support your child to plan a familiar build, combine different materials on purpose, and persist by testing and adapting the construction.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a small toy (teddy/car/doll)
- a mix of building items (blocks plus at least one of: small box, fabric/tea towel)
Nice to have
- masking tape
- paper and a pen for a quick plan
- recycled tubes (kitchen roll tube)
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneSelects appropriate resources and adapts work where necessary.Mind· 3.3y–5y· core· Steps 2, 3
- MilestoneManipulates materials to achieve a planned effect.Mind· 3.3y–5y· core· Steps 2, 3
- MilestoneBuilds with non-block construction piecesBody· 2.5y–4.2y· core
- MilestoneBuilds block structures (vertical, walls, enclosures)Body· 2.5y–4.2y· core
- MilestoneUses talk to organise, sequence and clarify thinking, ideas, feelings and events.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneExplains causesMind· 3.8y–4.6y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneTalks about own interests and ideasMind· 4y–5y· core· Step 1
What it practices
- Constructs with a purpose in mind, using a variety of resources.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Selects appropriate resources and adapts work where necessary.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Manipulates materials to achieve a planned effect.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE) — construct-derived activity authored from enriched DM2012 construct