22mo–3y10 minFree playFamily time
Dress-Up Adventure Picks
A child-led dress-up and pretend routine using simple clothing items (tunics/cloaks/bags). The parent offers interest-based resources and supports the child in using them to build roles and imaginative scenarios.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a scarf/towel or adult T-shirt (cloak/tunic)
- a bag (tote bag/backpack)
- one small prop to carry (spoon, soft toy, block)
Nice to have
- a hat
- a cardboard box (vehicle/house)
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
- MilestoneUses symbolic substitution (objects and words) in playMind· 20mo–3y· core
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneCan select and use activities and resources with help.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 1
- MilestonePretends with imagined roles or thingsMind· 2y–3y· core
- MilestoneDemonstrates sense of self as an individual, e.g. wants to do things independently, says “No” to adult.Heart· 16mo–2.2y· stretch· Step 1
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Offer additional resources reflecting interests such as tunics, cloaks and bags.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)