—12 minWith other childrenSocial playFree play
Fair Play Fix-It
A guided play routine to help your child practise simple, supported conflict-resolution steps: pause, use words, offer a fair choice (turns/swap), agree, and return to play.
What you'll need
Essentials
- one high-interest toy or game (e.g., one truck, one bubble wand, one marker)
- a simple timer (phone timer, kitchen timer, or counting to 10 together)
Nice to have
- two small 'turn tokens' (e.g., two buttons or bottle tops)
- a second similar toy as a swap option
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
- MilestoneNegotiates peer conflictsHeart· 4y–5y· core· Steps 1, 2, 3, 4
- MilestoneWaits for needs or turnsHeart· 2.5y–5y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneSupported sharingHeart· 22mo–3y· core· Steps 2, 3
- MilestoneCooperative peer playHeart· 2.7y–3.8y· core
- MilestoneAdjusts to stated expectationsHeart· 2.5y–3.7y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneStops when instructedHeart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneJoins other children in playHeart· 2.3y–3.2y· stretch
What it practices
- Takes steps to resolve conflicts with other children, e.g. finding a compromise.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Can play in a group, extending and elaborating play ideas, e.g. building up a role-play activity with other children.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Demonstrates friendly behaviour, initiating conversations and forming good relationships with peers and familiar adults.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