16mo–2.2y9 minFree playFamily timeChore time
Coin In, Coin Out Sorting
A closely supervised sorting and posting game using coins (or safe large coin-like substitutes) with bags and containers, supporting your child to practice in/out, big/small, and simple repeat patterns while you narrate calmly and consistently.
What you'll need
Essentials
- coins OR a safer large substitute if your child mouths objects (e.g., large jar lids, big plastic tokens, large cardboard circles)
- 2–3 containers (a small bag/purse, a tub, a bowl, or a box)
- a tray or shallow box (to keep items contained)
Nice to have
- one container with a narrow opening (e.g., a bottle with a wide mouth) if safe and supervised
- a cloth to spread on the floor/table (to stop items rolling)
- a small basket for 'all done' tidy-up
Movement level: false
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneEnjoys filling and emptying containers.Mind· 8mo–20mo· core
- MilestoneFollows visually supported instructionsMind· 8mo–18mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneUnderstands simple questionsMind· 14mo–2.2y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneDiscriminates bigger and smallerMind· 2.2y–3y· stretch
- MilestoneSingle channelled attention. Can shift to a different task if attention fully obtained – using child’s name helps focus.Mind· 16mo–2.2y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneHelps with simple household tasksHeart· 18mo–3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· stretch· Step 2
What it practices
- Beginning to categorise objects according to properties such as shape or size.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Begins to use the language of size.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Understands some talk about immediate past and future, e.g. ‘before’, ‘later’ or ‘soon’.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Use coins for sorting on play trays and into bags, purses and containers.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)