—8 minChore timeSelf-careFamily time
Choose, Wait, Helper Job
A small responsibility routine where a toddler chooses a task, waits for a turn, and adapts behaviour when the routine changes.
What you'll need
Essentials
- two safe household jobs such as spoon sorting and cloth folding
- basket or bowl
Nice to have
- paper and crayon if useful for recording
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 3-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneHelps with simple household tasksHeart· 18mo–3y· core
- MilestoneWaits for needs or turnsHeart· 2.5y–5y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneAdjusts to stated expectationsHeart· 2.5y–3.7y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneCan select and use activities and resources with help.Heart· 22mo–3y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneStops when instructedHeart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneBegins self-care independenceBody· 22mo–3y· stretch
- MilestoneDemonstrates sense of self as an individual, e.g. wants to do things independently, says “No” to adult.Heart· 16mo–2.2y· core· Step 1
What it practices
- Shows understanding and cooperates with some boundaries and routines.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Can inhibit own actions/behaviours, e.g. stop themselves from doing something they shouldn’t do.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Growing ability to distract self when upset, e.g. by engaging in a new play activity.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Can usually tolerate delay when needs are not immediately met, and understands wishes may not always be met.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Can usually adapt behaviour to different events, social situations and changes in routine.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Expresses own preferences and interests.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Can select and use activities and resources with help.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Welcomes and values praise for what they have done.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Enjoys responsibility of carrying out small tasks.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Beginning to be independent in self-care, but still often needs adult support.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) — cross-aspect multi-target authored per DM2012 's See [other aspect] pattern